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Fire Chief™ Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis 'Congabe'

Plants that Work®
  • Vibrant Red-Tipped Foliage Transforms Fire Chief™ Arborvitae into a Year-Round Focal Point
  • Thrives in Zones 5-8
  • Evergreen Year-Round Color and Privacy
  • Ideal for Privacy Screen or Hedge
  • Compact, Low Maintenance in Full Sun to Partial Shade
$9108
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Plant Size
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Plant Characteristics Attracts pollinators, Cold hardy, Compact/Dwarf, Container Friendly, Deer-resistant, Disease resistant, Drought resistant, Evergreen, Full Sun, Heat Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Non-invasive, Shade Tolerant
Hardiness Zone 3a7b
Sunlight Full sun, Partial shade
Height 3-5 ft
Width 3-4 ft
Watering Needs Moderate
Preferred Soil Clay, Loamy
Growth Rate Slow
Growth Habit Bushy, Upright
Blooms In Spring
Flower Color Green
Foliage Color Green
Suitable Space Outdoors, Indoors
Plant Name Arborvitae
Botanical Name Thuja occidentalis 'Congabe'
Species occidentalis
Cultivar Congabe
Class Pinopsida, Coniferopsida
Does Not Ship To AK, HI, ID, MT, PR
D
David (United States)
Nice shrub for a sunny confined area.

Pretty shrub that fits my area need.

U
Uncle
Red foliage

I planted the Fire Chief to get an arborvitae that looks different than many of the other arborvitaes I see. I got my wish, the new red growth is an eye catcher.

Hello Uncle H.,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the Fire Chief™ Arborvitae! We’re thrilled to hear that its striking red new growth is exactly what you were looking for and that it’s adding such a beautiful touch of color to your landscape. It’s always wonderful to see a plant exceeding expectations and standing out in a delightful way.

If you ever want tips on how to keep that vibrant color lasting throughout the seasons or how to best care for your Fire Chief™, we’re happy to help. Generally, providing it with well-draining soil and full sun will keep that fiery hue popping! Should you need any guidance on watering schedules or pruning techniques as your arborvitae matures, just reach out.

Thanks again for your kind words and for welcoming this unique arborvitae into your garden.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

U
Uncle
Red foliage

I planted the Fire Chief to get an arborvitae that looks different than many of the other arborvitaes I see. I got my wish, the new red growth is an eye catcher.

Hello Uncle Harold,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with the Fire Chief™ Arborvitae! We’re delighted to hear that the red new growth has made it a standout addition in your garden — its vibrant hues really do add such a striking visual interest compared to the usual greens.

For continued healthy coloration, be sure to plant it in full sun and avoid overwatering, which helps maintain the fiery red tones. If you ever have questions about pruning or fertilizing to enhance its color during the growing season, feel free to reach out—we’re here to help your Fire Chief™ thrive!

Thanks again for your kind words and happy gardening!

Representative Sapling,
Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

H
HappySam
Good Size For Hedge

This tree is the perfect size for a hedge / privacy screen. Great color, too!

Dear HappySam,

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that the Fire Chief™ Arborvitae is the perfect size for your hedge and privacy screen needs, and that you’re enjoying its vibrant color. It's a fantastic choice for creating both beauty and privacy in your garden.

If you ever need tips on care or trimming to keep your hedge looking eye-catching and healthy, feel free to reach out. Proper watering and occasional pruning can really enhance growth and maintain that rich hue. We’re here to help ensure your planting journey continues to be a success.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

H
Happy
Good Size For Hedge

This tree is the perfect size for a hedge / privacy screen. Great color, too!

Dear Happy S.,

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that the Fire Chief™ Arborvitae is just the right size for your hedge or privacy screen and that its vibrant color is meeting your expectations. It really is a stunning plant that makes for a lovely natural barrier.

If you’re looking to keep your hedge looking pristine, we recommend regular watering, especially during its first growing season, along with occasional mulching to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Pretty soon, your Fire Chief™ Arborvitae will give you a lush and protected space to enjoy.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you ever need tips for pruning or pest care—we’re always happy to help!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

D
DiBaby
Avborvitae

I love it ! Just what I have been looking for, to adorn my yard.Also serve as a privicy screen & a dust chatcher

Dear DiBaby,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with the Fire Chief™ Arborvitae! We’re thrilled to hear it’s exactly what you needed to enhance your yard and serve as both a privacy screen and dust catcher. These versatile trees are truly a fantastic choice for combining beauty and purpose in your outdoor space.

To keep your Fire Chief™ Arborvitae thriving, we recommend regular watering, especially in well-drained soil, and occasional mulching to maintain moisture and protect the roots. Also, pruning lightly in early spring can help maintain its shape and health. Should you ever have any questions or want tips on care and maintenance, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re always here to help!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

D
Di
Avborvitae

I love it ! Just what I have been looking for, to adorn my yard.Also serve as a privicy screen & a dust chatcher

Dear Di B.,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your Fire Chief™ Arborvitae! We're thrilled to hear it’s exactly what you were looking for to enhance your yard. It’s fantastic that the Arborvitae is serving double duty as both a privacy screen and a dust catcher—a brilliant way to add beauty and function in one.

If you haven’t already, be sure to give your Fire Chief™ Arborvitae some regular watering especially during dry spells, and applying a mulch layer can help maintain soil moisture and reduce dust even more effectively. These trees also respond well to light pruning if you wish to maintain shape or density for privacy.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need tips as your yard grows. Your success and satisfaction mean so much to us!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the planting zones for Fire Chief™ Arborvitae?
  • Fire Chief™ Arborvitae thrives in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 8. This cold-hardy evergreen handles winter temperatures well while maintaining its distinctive red-tipped foliage. Plant in spring or fall for best establishment in your zone.

How wide does Fire Chief™ Arborvitae spread at maturity?
  • Fire Chief™ Arborvitae reaches 3-4 feet wide at maturity, slightly narrower than its 3-5 foot height. This compact, rounded evergreen works perfectly for tight spaces and foundation plantings. Shop at Nature Hills for this colorful addition to zones 5-8 gardens.

Is Fire Chief™ Arborvitae deer resistant?
  • Yes, Fire Chief™ Arborvitae is deer resistant. This hardy evergreen thrives in zones 5-8 and maintains its natural deer-deterrent properties year-round. Plant it confidently in areas where deer browsing is a concern.

How often does Fire Chief™ Arborvitae need watering?
  • Fire Chief™ Arborvitae is intolerant of dry conditions and needs consistent moisture. Water regularly to maintain moist, well-drained soil conditions. Give it a thorough watering before winter to help prevent sun and winter burn damage.

Does Fire Chief™ Arborvitae require pruning?
  • Fire Chief™ Arborvitae maintains its natural 3-5 foot rounded form without regular pruning. Light shaping in late spring can enhance the compact habit if desired. Shop this low-maintenance evergreen at naturehills.com for effortless color year-round.

What is the soil requirement for Fire Chief™ Arborvitae?
  • Fire Chief™ Arborvitae thrives in average, well-drained soils and prefers moist loams. It's adaptable to various soil types but cannot tolerate dry conditions. Plant in full sun for best red coloration and apply mulch around the roots to retain moisture.

What are the seasonal color changes of Fire Chief™ Arborvitae?
  • Fire Chief™ Arborvitae displays vibrant red-tipped foliage that intensifies in full sun and holds its striking color well through winter. The yellow-green base foliage provides year-round contrast against the fiery tips. Plant in full sun for the most dramatic red coloration.

Can Fire Chief™ Arborvitae be grown in containers?
  • Yes, Fire Chief™ Arborvitae grows well in large containers on sunny porches and balconies. This compact evergreen reaches 3-5 feet tall and thrives in zones 5-8. Use well-draining soil and provide consistent moisture, as it's intolerant of dry conditions.

How cold hardy is Fire Chief™ Arborvitae?
  • Fire Chief™ Arborvitae is hardy in USDA zones 5-8, handling cold temperatures well while maintaining its colorful foliage through winter. This cold-hardy evergreen resists winter burn when properly mulched and watered before freezing weather arrives.
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