Thuja occidentalis Cheer Drops® (American Arborvitae)

Thuja occidentalis Cheer Drops® is a unique cultivar of the Eastern Arborvitae, notable for its ornamental features and landscaping versatility.

Thuja occidentalis Cheer Drops®: An In-depth Look

Cheer Drops® is known for its cheerful, bright green foliage, which adds a splash of color to the landscape. The foliage maintains its vibrant color throughout the year, making it a standout in any garden.

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 pyramidal to conical growth habit reminiscent of a teardrop shape.

Size: It can reach 10-18 feet in height (3 to 5.4 meters) and spread 6-8 feet wide (1.8 to 2.4 meters), making it suitable for creating privacy screens or as a standalone specimen.

Foliage: The bright green foliage is soft and feathery, offering year-round visual interest and texture.

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

Uses: Cheer Drops® is suitable for a variety of landscaping uses, including privacy screens, hedges, specimen plantings, and as an attractive addition to mixed borders.

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 an easy-to-maintain, year-round green presence in the landscape.

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.