Emerald Petite™ Arborvitae

Emerald Petite™ Arborvitae: Dwarf Evergreen Wonder

The Emerald Petite™ Arborvitae PP#33,360 (Thuja occidentalis 'Thusid4') is a garden gem for those craving year-round greenery in a tidy, manageable form! This compact evergreen shrub boasts finely textured, scale-like foliage in a vivid emerald green hue that keeps its color even in winter.

As a dwarf Arborvitae variety of the beloved Emerald Green Arborvitae, Emerald Petite™ stays small, making it ideal for tight spaces, patios, or formal gardens. Plus, it's a low-maintenance and deer-resistant choice, yes, you heard right!

Naturally narrow and upright, this cultivar matures at just 5-6 feet tall and about 1-2 feet wide, perfect for small gardens or as an accent in large mixed borders. Its foliage is soft to the touch and pleasantly aromatic when brushed, forming dense, vertical sprays that maintain their shape without shearing. No flowers or fruits to fuss over, just consistent color and structure all year long!

Culturally, it carries the symbolism of eternal life and protection, making it popular in traditional landscapes and sacred spaces. It's related to the classic Arborvitae clan, known for their adaptable evergreen presence and stalwart reliability in urban and rural gardens alike!

Key Features

• Dwarf variety of Eastern Arborvitae
• Dense, fragrant emerald green foliage
• Naturally narrow, columnar habit, no shearing required
• Deer-resistant, low-maintenance evergreen
• Cold-hardy down to USDA Zone 3

Landscaping Uses

Use this dwarf evergreen as a narrow vertical element or lush green screen, it tops out at just 5-6 feet tall with a 1-2-foot spread. Hailing from native Eastern North American stock, this dwarf Thuja thrives in USDA Zones 3–7, handling frigid winters and humid summers with ease. It's bred for cold hardiness, pest resistance, and compact form.

• Perfect as a formal foundation planting
• Lined up as a low living hedge or privacy screen
• Beautiful in symmetrical pairs flanking an entry
• Excellent for tight spaces or small yards
• Works well in large containers for patios, balcony gardens, or courtyards
• Mixes nicely into Rock Gardens and perennial borders for year-round structure

Care and Maintenance

This woody, evergreen shrub is a tough, no-fuss garden essential. For a low-maintenance garden backbone, this is a drought-tolerant shrub that appreciates full sun. Read in-depth Arborvitae care information here.

• Planting Time: Spring or fall is best
• Sun Needs: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Needs: Well-drained, loamy to sandy soil; tolerates clay if not soggy
• Moisture Needs: Moderate; water regularly in the first season
• Arborist Mulch: Use a 3–4 inch deep layer of mulch to retain soil moisture and insulate roots from heat and cold
• Fertilization Needs: Light feeding in spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer
• Pruning Info: Minimal pruning needed; shape in early spring if desired
• Special Perks/Growing Tips:
• Pest0resistant
• Deer-resistant
• Pollution-tolerant
• Extremely cold-hardy

Stay Sharp With Emerald Petite™ Softness

If you're looking for year-round green without the garden drama, Emerald Petite™ Arborvitae is your go-to. Its neat habit, charming color, and cold toughness make it a true garden stalwart, whether lining a walkway or standing proudly in a container. Small in stature but big on impact, this tree lives up to its lofty Arborvitae lineage!

Order now at Nature Hills Nursery, and we'll ship at the perfect planting time for your region.