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Thuja occidentalis ‘Degroot’s Spire’ (American Arborvitae)

Degroot's Spire Arborvitae

Thuja Occidentalis 'Degroot's Spire', American Arborvitae, Degroot's Spire Arborvitae, Evergreen Shrub, Evergreen Tree, Fragrant Shrub, Fragrant Tree

A beautiful pyramidal form, Thuja occidentalis ‘Degroot’s Spire’ (American Arborvitae) is a dwarf, evergreen shrub with twisted, feathery sprays of rich green foliage that takes on a purple tinge in winter. Slowly forming a majestic exclamation point in the landscape, it is reliable and cold weather resistant and represents a valuable, hardy alternative to cypress. When you bruise the foliage, it gives off a very pleasant fragrance reminiscent of citrus.

  • Slow-growing, this American arborvitae can reach 20-30 ft. tall (6-9 m) and 4-6 ft. wide (120-180 cm) in 15-20 years.
  • A full sun lover, this plant is easily grown in average, moist, well-drained soils. Usually appreciates some light afternoon shade in hot summer climates. Bear in mind that foliage density loosens up in too much shade. Tolerates a wide range of soils. Thrives in humid weather with regular rainfalls. Intolerant of dry conditions. Protect from drying winds especially when young.
  • Perfect as a specimen plant or for shrub borders, hedges, and screens, as foundation plants. Suitable for rock gardens. Performs well in wet areas of the garden and near swamps and bogs. Attractive in containers too!
  • No serious insect or disease problems. May be affected by spider mites, bagworms or coryneum canker. Susceptible to winter damage from ice and snow. Foliage tends to turn greenish-brown (burn) in winter from desiccation and/or quick temperature changes.
  • Low maintenance, American arborvitae tolerates shearing well for a more tailored column. Prune in early spring before the onset of new growth. Provide a generous root zone mulch
  • Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
  • Native to Northeastern United States, Mid-Atlantic United States, Southeastern United States, North-Central United States, Central United States, Canada

Arborvitae is one of the most versatile, easy-to-grow evergreens suited to cold northern landscapes. Perfect as specimen plants, hedges, foundation plantings, and windbreaks, these attractive shrubs require hardly any maintenance while contributing beautifully to our landscapes.

Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 8
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, Shrubs
Plant Family Cupressaceae
Genus Thuja
Common names Arborvitae, Northern White Cedar
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 20' - 30'
(6.1m - 9.1m)
Spread 4' - 6'
(120cm - 180cm)
Spacing 48" - 72"
(120cm - 180cm)
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
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Thuja occidentalis ‘Globosa Aurea’ (Golden Globe Arborvitae)
Thuja occidentalis ‘Rheingold’ (American Arborvitae)
Thuja occidentalis (American Arborvitae)
Thuja occidentalis ‘Holmstrup’ (American Arborvitae)
Thuja occidentalis ‘Danica’ (American Arborvitae)
Thuja occidentalis ‘Mr. Bowling Ball’ (American Arborvitae)

Recommended Companion Plants

Sedum ‘Jose Aubergine’ (Stonecrop)
Carex comans ‘Frosted Curls’ (New Zealand Hair Sedge)
Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’
Cotinus coggygria (Smokebush)
Geranium ‘Rozanne’ (Cranesbill)
Festuca glauca ‘Elijah Blue’ (Blue Fescue)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

A Wonderful Summer Border Idea with Easy-to-Grow Plants
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 - 8
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, Shrubs
Plant Family Cupressaceae
Genus Thuja
Common names Arborvitae, Northern White Cedar
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 20' - 30'
(6.1m - 9.1m)
Spread 4' - 6'
(120cm - 180cm)
Spacing 48" - 72"
(120cm - 180cm)
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
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden
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Do I Need?
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Thuja
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    Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

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