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Thuja occidentalis ‘Brabant’ (American Arborvitae)

Brabant Arborvitae, American Arborvitae 'Brabant', Eastern White Cedar 'Brabant', Northern White Cedar 'Brabant'

AGM Award
Thuja Occidentalis Brabant, Brabant Arborvitae, White Cedar Brabant, Northern White Brabant, Swamp Cedar Brabant

Thuja occidentalis ‘Brabant’ is a versatile, fast-growing evergreen shrub, ideal for gardeners seeking a robust and dense plant for privacy, wind protection, or as a decorative element in the landscape. Its adaptability and low maintenance make it a popular choice for a variety of garden settings.

Thuja occidentalis ‘Brabant’: An In-depth Look

Thuja occidentalis ‘Brabant’ is a popular and hardy cultivar of the Eastern Arborvitae, widely used in landscaping for its rapid growth and dense foliage. ‘Brabant’ is characterized by its dense, bright green foliage and upright, conical growth habit. This cultivar is known for its fast-growing nature and pyramidal shape, making it a favorite for hedges and privacy screens.

Native: Thuja occidentalis is native to North America. It is predominantly found in the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. This species naturally occurs in wet forests, swamps, and along lake shores, thriving in cool, moist, well-drained environments.

Plant Type and Habit: It is an evergreen conifer with a naturally pyramidal to conical shape. ‘Brabant’ is noted for its vertical growth and dense branching.

Size: ‘Brabant’ can reach about 12-15 feet in height (3.6 to 4.5 meters) and 8-10 feet in width (2.4 to 3 meters), making it a medium-sized Arborvitae ideal for various landscape uses.

Foliage: The foliage is a vibrant green, which remains lush throughout the year. The leaves are scale-like and densely packed, adding to the plant’s full appearance.

Bark: The bark is reddish-brown, relatively smooth, and becomes more textured with age.

Uses: Ideal for creating privacy screens, hedges, windbreaks, or as a specimen plant. Its fast growth rate and dense foliage make it an excellent choice for quick landscape impact.

Award: Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.

Hardiness: Hardy in USDA zones 3-7, it can withstand cold winters and a range of environmental conditions.

Wildlife: American arborvitae provides nesting sites for songbirds, as well as cover, especially in the winter, for deer, which both feed on the branches and use them for shelter from the cold.

Toxicity: Generally considered non-toxic to humans and animals.

Deer and Rabbit: May suffer some damage from deer and rabbits, especially in areas where these animals are prevalent.

Invasiveness: This cultivar is not considered invasive and typically stays within its planted boundaries.

Benefits: Offers rapid growth and year-round privacy, is easy to maintain, and its dense growth habit makes it suitable for a variety of landscaping needs.

American Arborvitae Growing Tips

Light: Thrives in full sun but can also grow well in partial shade. Full sun exposure leads to denser foliage growth. Usually appreciates some light afternoon shade in hot summer climates. Protect from drying winds, especially when young.

Soil: Adaptable to a wide range of soils but prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Tolerates clay soils.

Water: Regular watering is important, especially for young plants and in dry conditions. Avoid extreme dry soil in the fall, which can cause the evergreen foliage to dry out in winter.

Fertilizer: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Over-fertilization can harm the plant, so follow the recommended rates.

Pruning: Little to no pruning is required. Prune for shaping or size control in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Avoid heavy pruning.

Mulch: Provide a generous root zone mulch.

Propagation: Propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer.

Pests and Diseases: Watch for bagworms, spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. Leaf tips may suffer damage from leaf miners. Canker can sometimes pose a problem. Fungal diseases like root rot can occur in poorly drained soils. Good air circulation and proper planting depth help prevent these issues.

Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 7
Heat Zones 1 - 7
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24, A2, A3, H1, H2
Plant Type Conifers, Trees
Plant Family Cupressaceae
Genus Thuja
Common names American Arborvitae, Northern White Cedar, Arborvitae, Eastern White Cedar
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height 12' - 15' (3.7m - 4.6m)
Spread 8' - 10' (240cm - 3m)
Spacing 96" - 120" (240cm - 3m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen, Plant of Merit
Tolerance Clay Soil, Wet Soil
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Thuja plicata ‘Zebrina’ (Western Arborvitae)
Thuja plicata ‘Whipcord’ (Western Arborvitae)
Thuja plicata Spring Grove® (Western Arborvitae)
Thuja orientalis (Oriental Arborvitae)
Thuja orientalis ‘Nana Aurea’ (Oriental Arborvitae)
Thuja occidentalis ‘Tiny Tim’ (American Arborvitae)

Recommended Companion Plants

Sedum (Stonecrop)
Hydrangea paniculata (Panicle Hydrangea)
Azalea and Rhododendron

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Small Trees and Shrubs That Attract Birds
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Choosing Your Ideal Hedge: A Guide to Top Shrubs for Any Garden
Small Evergreen Shrubs for Year-Round Appeal
Thuja (Arborvitae)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 7
Heat Zones 1 - 7
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24, A2, A3, H1, H2
Plant Type Conifers, Trees
Plant Family Cupressaceae
Genus Thuja
Common names American Arborvitae, Northern White Cedar, Arborvitae, Eastern White Cedar
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height 12' - 15' (3.7m - 4.6m)
Spread 8' - 10' (240cm - 3m)
Spacing 96" - 120" (240cm - 3m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen, Plant of Merit
Tolerance Clay Soil, Wet Soil
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Thuja (Arborvitae)
Guides with
Thuja (Arborvitae)
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