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Emerald Petite™ Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis 'Thusid4' PP33,360

Nature Hills Nursery
$9940
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Plant Size

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

  • Sunlight: Ensure your Emerald Petite gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. While it can tolerate partial shade, full sun creates the dense, vibrant emerald foliage you bought it for; too much shade often leads to a looser, thinner appearance.
  • Soil: These plants love moist, well-draining soil but hate having "wet feet" in soggy ground. If you are working with heavy clay, mix in compost to improve drainage and add a 3-inch layer of mulch around the base to keep roots cool and hydrated.

Watering Requirements

For the first growing season, give your arborvitae a deep soaking twice a week to help the roots establish in their new home. Once the root system is mature, these plants are moderately drought tolerant but still need supplemental water during hot, dry spells. Inconsistent watering is the quickest way to stress the plant, leading to browning needles or stunted growth.

Pruning Tips

Arborvitae only generate new growth from green stems, so never cut back into the bare, brown "dead zone" of old wood or the branch will not regrow. Plan your light shaping for early spring just before new growth emerges. Think of it like a trim rather than a chop; you are just tidying up the messy ends to maintain that crisp, pyramidal form.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release evergreen fertilizer in early spring right as the plant wakes up for the season. Avoid applying high-nitrogen fertilizers after mid-summer, as this forces soft, new growth that won't have time to harden off before winter freezes.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4 Week of March 30th
Zone 5 Week of March 16th
Zone 6 Week of March 2nd
Zone 7-12 Week of February 23rd


Shipping Rates

Ships in 3-4 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50 $9.99
$50 - $99.99 $14.99
$100 - $149.99 $16.99
$150 - $198.99 $24.99
$199+ FREE

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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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Emerald Petite™ Arborvitae need pruning?
Minimal pruning is required, but you can shape it lightly in early spring to keep it tidy.

Is Emerald Petite™ Arborvitae deer resistant?
Yes, like most Arborvitae, it is naturally unappealing to deer.

Can I grow Emerald Petite™ in a container?
Absolutely! It's an ideal candidate for containers on patios or porches due to its slow growth and compact size.

What zones is Emerald Petite™ Arborvitae hardy in?
It thrives in USDA Zones 3–7, tolerating cold winters and moderately hot summers.

Does Emerald Petite™ Arborvitae grow fast?
Emerald Petite™ has a moderate growth rate, slower than regular Arborvitae, making it ideal for low-maintenance spaces.

Growing Zones 3-7

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