Thuja occidentalis Sting™ (American Arborvitae)

Thuja occidentalis Sting™ is a distinctive cultivar of the Eastern Arborvitae, notable for its landscaping appeal and hardy nature.

Thuja occidentalis Sting™: An In-depth Look

Sting™ is characterized by its vibrant green foliage and neat, conical growth habit. Its dense foliage and uniform shape make it a popular choice for both formal and informal garden settings.

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 compact, upright, and narrowly pyramidal growth habit. This form makes it suitable for a variety of landscaping uses

Size: Sting™ typically grows to about 15-20 feet in height (4.5 to 6 meters) and only 12-18 inches in width (30-45 cm), making it ideal for hedges and screens in small spaces.

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: Commonly used for privacy screens, hedges, specimen planting, and as a decorative element in landscape design.

Hardiness: Hardy in USDA zones 3-8, 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 greenery, is easy to maintain, and its compact growth habit makes it suitable for small gardens and spaces where larger conifers would be overwhelming.

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.