Smaragd Arborvitae ( Thuja Occidentalis ‘Emerald Green’)

/ Cupressaceae, Garden, Plants, Thuja / By hometuary

Smaragd Arborvitae (Thuja Occidentalis ‘Emerald Green’)

Introduction

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the Smaragd Arborvitae, also known as Thuja Occidentalis ‘Emerald Green.’ In this blog post, we will delve into the various aspects of caring for and utilizing Smaragd Arborvitae in your landscape. Whether you’re looking to add a privacy hedge, enhance your garden’s aesthetic appeal, or simply learn more about this beautiful evergreen, you’ll find all the information you need right here. Let’s explore the culture, uses, care requirements, and much more for this remarkable plant.

What is Smaragd Arborvitae?

Smaragd Arborvitae, scientifically known as Thuja Occidentalis ‘Emerald Green,’ is an evergreen tree that belongs to the Cypress family, Cupressaceae. It is a cultivar of the American Arborvitae and is renowned for its vibrant emerald green foliage and compact, narrow growth habit. This cultivar is particularly popular for its use in landscaping, often serving as a striking focal point or as a privacy screen due to its dense foliage.

Key Characteristics of Smaragd Arborvitae:

Scientific Name: Thuja Occidentalis ‘Emerald Green’

Common Name: Smaragd Arborvitae
Family: Cupressaceae
Foliage: Evergreen, scale-like

Growth Habit: Compact, narrow, conical
Foliage Color: Emerald Green
Maximum Height: 12-15 feet

Maximum Width: 3-4 feet

Now, let’s delve into the key aspects of caring for and using Smaragd Arborvitae in your landscape.

Culture

Uses

Smaragd Arborvitae holds numerous uses in the landscape due to its striking appearance and versatile nature. Some common applications include:

Privacy Hedge: Planting multiple Smaragd Arborvitae in a row creates an excellent natural privacy hedge due to its dense foliage and narrow growth habit.
Accent Plant: The vibrant green color and slender form make it an ideal choice for creating focal points in the garden or landscape.
Foundation Planting: Due to its vertical growth habit, it is often used for planting along the foundation of buildings to add visual interest.

Container Planting: Smaragd Arborvitae can be grown in containers, adding a touch of greenery to patios, decks, and balconies.

Water

When it comes to water requirements, Smaragd Arborvitae prefers moist, well-drained soil. It’s essential to keep the soil consistently moist especially during the establishment period. Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant. However, prolonged periods of dryness should be avoided, especially in hot climates.

Sunlight

Smaragd Arborvitae thrives in full sun to partial shade. It benefits from at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day to ensure the development of lush, healthy foliage.

Fertilizer

For optimal growth and vigor, apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring before the new growth emerges. Additionally, a layer of compost or organic mulch around the base of the plant can provide a steady supply of nutrients.

Soil

The ideal soil for Smaragd Arborvitae is well-draining and slightly acidic to neutral in pH. It can adapt to a range of soil types, including loamy, sandy, or clay soils, as long as they are well-draining. Amending heavy clay soils with organic matter can improve drainage and soil structure.

Pruning

Pruning is generally minimal for Smaragd Arborvitae. However, occasional light pruning can be performed to maintain the desired shape and size. It’s best to prune in early spring before the new growth appears.

Propagation

Smaragd Arborvitae can be propagated through several methods including:

Cuttings: Softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings can be taken in early summer and rooted to create new plants.
Seeds: While possible, propagation from seeds is less common and may result in variations in the offspring.

Container Popularity

The compact nature of Smaragd Arborvitae makes it an excellent choice for container planting. It can be grown in large containers on patios, decks, or balconies, adding a touch of greenery to urban spaces.

Common Diseases

While Smaragd Arborvitae is generally resistant to many diseases, it can occasionally be affected by certain issues. Some common diseases to watch out for include:

Kabatina Tip Blight: This fungal disease can cause browning and dieback of the tips of the branches, particularly during wet conditions. Proper airflow and avoiding overhead irrigation can help prevent this disease.

Phytophthora Root Rot: This soil-borne disease can affect the roots, leading to wilting and decline of the plant. Ensure well-drained soil and avoid overwatering to prevent this issue.
Cypress Canker: This disease can cause dieback of branches and is also associated with wet conditions. Pruning to improve airflow and avoiding overhead watering can help prevent this disease.

Disease Diagnosis

If you notice any abnormal browning, wilting, or dieback of the foliage, it’s essential to inspect the plant thoroughly to diagnose the issue accurately. Symptoms such as fungal growth, discoloration, or cankers on the branches can provide clues to the specific disease affecting the plant.

Common Pests

Smaragd Arborvitae is relatively resistant to pests, but certain insects and mites can occasionally cause issues. Some common pests to be aware of include:

Bagworms: These caterpillars construct protective bags on the branches and can cause defoliation if left unchecked. Handpicking the bags and applying insecticidal treatments can help control these pests.
Spider Mites: These tiny pests can cause stippling and webbing on the foliage. Regularly spraying the plant with water and applying horticultural oil can help manage spider mite infestations.

Arborvitae Leafminer: The larvae of these small flies can cause browning and blisters on the foliage. Pruning affected branches and applying systemic insecticides can help control this pest.

Botanist’s Tips

To maintain the vibrant green color and overall health of Smaragd Arborvitae, ensure adequate sunlight and avoid planting in areas of deep shade.
When planting as a privacy hedge, space the individual plants according to their mature width to ensure complete coverage.

Regularly inspect the plant for signs of pests or diseases, especially during periods of stress such as drought or excessive rainfall.
When planting in containers, select a pot with sufficient drainage holes to prevent waterlogging of the roots.

Fun Facts

The name “Smaragd” is derived from the German word for emerald, reflecting the striking green color of the foliage.

Smaragd Arborvitae is native to North America and is a popular choice for ornamental landscaping across the continent.
The narrow, columnar growth habit of Smaragd Arborvitae makes it well-suited for planting in smaller garden spaces or along boundary lines.

Links to External Resources

To further expand your knowledge and understanding of Smaragd Arborvitae, we recommend exploring the following external resources:

This comprehensive guide provides a wealth of information for both novice and experienced gardeners seeking to incorporate the beauty of Smaragd Arborvitae into their landscapes. From its care requirements to potential uses and common pests and diseases, we’ve covered all the essential aspects to help you nurture and enjoy this stunning evergreen.

Remember, creating a thriving landscape with Smaragd Arborvitae begins with proper care and attention, so don’t hesitate to apply the guidelines and best practices outlined in this guide to ensure the success of your plantings.

Whether you’re planning a privacy hedge, seeking an eye-catching accent plant, or simply admiring this evergreen beauty, Smaragd Arborvitae has much to offer. Let the verdant allure of this remarkable plant enrich your outdoor spaces and bring lasting beauty to your landscape.