Thuja occidentalis ‘Hetz Midget’ (American Arborvitae)

Thuja occidentalis ‘Hetz Midget’ is a delightful, dwarf evergreen shrub, perfect for adding a touch of greenery to smaller spaces. Its adaptability and easy-care nature make it a popular choice for various garden styles and purposes.

Thuja occidentalis ‘Hetz Midget’: An In-depth Look

Thuja occidentalis ‘Hetz Midget’ is a compact and ornamental cultivar of the Eastern Arborvitae, notable for its small size and dense foliage. It is a dwarf Arborvitae cultivar known for its globular shape and fine, dense, soft blue-green foliage. It maintains a neat, rounded form without the need for pruning.

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 dwarf, globular growth habit. This shrub is characterized by its compact form and lush foliage.

Size: ‘Hetz Midget’ is a true dwarf variety, growing to about 3-4 feet in height (90-120 cm) and 4-5 feet in width (120-150 cm), making it suitable for spaces where a moderately sized, low-maintenance evergreen is desired.

Foliage: The foliage is soft, lush blue-green, and finely textured, maintaining its vibrant color throughout the year.

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

Uses: Ideal for rock gardens, border fronts, foundation plantings, and container gardening. Its small size and attractive form make it a popular choice for detailed landscape work.

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

Hardiness: Hardy in USDA zones 2-7, 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 year-round color and interest with its unique foliage and growth habit. It is easy to maintain and suitable for a variety of uses in the landscape, especially in small gardens or as a decorative element.

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.