Thuja occidentalis Pancake™ (American Arborvitae)

Thuja occidentalis Pancake™ is a remarkable and low-growing evergreen shrub, perfect for adding a touch of unique texture and color to the landscape. Its adaptability and easy-care nature make it a popular choice for various garden styles and purposes.

Thuja occidentalis Pancake™: An In-depth Look

Thuja occidentalis Pancake™ is an exceptional cultivar of the Eastern Arborvitae, notable for its unique form and landscape appeal. It stands out with its extraordinarily low, flat growth habit and silvery-blue foliage. This cultivar is distinguished by its almost pancake-like shape, making it a unique choice for ground cover and accent plantings.

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 distinctive, spreading, and flat growth habit. Unlike the typical vertical growth of most Arborvitaes, Pancake™ grows outward rather than upward.

Size: Pancake™ is a dwarf cultivar, reaching only about 1-2 feet in height (30-60 cm) but spreading up to 2-3 feet wide (60-90 cm). Its growth pattern makes it suitable for covering larger ground areas.

Foliage: The foliage is a striking silvery-blue, maintaining its color throughout the year. The leaves are scale-like and densely packed, giving the plant a full, textured appearance.

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

Uses: Ideal for rock gardens, as ground cover, in border fronts, and container gardens. Its unique growth pattern and color make it a versatile choice for various landscape designs.

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 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 ground cover.

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.