Primo® Dwarf Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis 'IslPrim'

Nature Hills Nursery

Compact Primo® Arborvitae Resists Winter Browning Better than Standard Cultivars
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-8
Grows 3-4 ft Tall, 1-2 ft Wide
Evergreen Year-Round Color and Privacy
Ideal for Privacy Screen or Hedge

$144⁶⁹

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Plant Size

#3 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This evergreen thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct light daily to maintain its dense, tight habit. While it handles partial shade, you may notice the foliage becoming a bit loose and less vibrant in lower light conditions.
Soil: It prefers moist, well drained soil that is rich in organic matter. If you are dealing with heavy clay, plant it in a slight mound to keep the roots from sitting in water, which can lead to root rot.

Watering Requirements

For the first year, check the soil daily and water whenever the top inch feels dry to ensure the root system establishes deeply. Once mature, this Arborvitae is quite hardy but still requires a deep soaking during summer dry spells to prevent the interior needles from browning or dropping early. Inconsistent moisture often leads to "winter burn" because the plant enters the cold months dehydrated.

Pruning Tips

Since this is a dwarf cultivar, it naturally maintains a globe shape and rarely needs more than a light "haircut" to remove stray branches. If you choose to shape it, do so in early spring before new growth begins, as it produces new foliage from the tips of the branches. Avoid cutting back into the old wood where there are no green needles, because those areas generally will not sprout new growth and you will be left with a permanent bare spot.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release evergreen fertilizer in early spring just as the ground thaws to fuel the season's growth. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer or fall, as this encourages soft new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first hard freeze. This late season growth is very susceptible to frost damage, which can disfigure the plant's tidy appearance.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 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

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Evergreen, Compact/Dwarf, Hedge/Screen, Heat Tolerant, Drought resistant, Container Friendly, Low Maintenance
Hardiness Zone	3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	3-4 ft
Width	1-2 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
Plant Name	Arborvitae
Botanical Name	Thuja occidentalis 'IslPrim'
Species	occidentalis
Cultivar	IslPrim
Class	Pinopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Primo® Arborvitae - Dwarf Evergreen Appeal

The Primo® Dwarf Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Islprim') is a stately and stylish mini-evergreen! It features a compact, pyramidal habit and dense, rich green foliage that shines all year round. This Arborvitae cultivar is a slow grower, making it perfect for tight garden spaces or formal hedges where neatness matters and time is short on supply!

Primo® resists browning in winter—a flaw (or is it a feature?) in many other evergreens—and boasts a tight, uniform structure that makes it feel like Ma Nature herself gave it a topiary trim!

With a mature height of about 3-4 feet and a spread of up to 18 inches wide, Primo® Arborvitae maintains a narrow, upright form with soft, flattened sprays of scale-like foliage in a deep emerald green. Unlike leggier conifers, this one stays lush to the ground with no bald ankles, making it a favorite for screening, foundations, and flanking walkways. While it doesn't produce showy cones or flowers, its tidy symmetry and color offer four seasons of reliable, formal flair!

Key Features

Dwarf size: only 3-4 feet tall and 12-18 inches wide!
Naturally dense, upright form with no pruning needed
Evergreen foliage stays deep green year-round
Cold-hardy USDA Planting Zones 4-8
Highly adaptable and perfect for containers or small gardens
Slow-growing = Low-maintenance!

Landscaping Uses

Native to North America, Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) is a reliable favorite in cold climates, and Primo® keeps those hardy genetics while shrinking the footprint. Hardy in USDA Zones 4-8, this dwarf evergreen handles heavy snow, biting winds, and even some clay soil. It's a tough little shrub that handles urban air, poor soils, and compact spaces with grace!

Primo® Arborvitae grows into a miniature upright column just 3 feet tall and 12 inches wide, making it ideal for small-space gardening and formal container plantings.

With its tight, upright habit and densely packed sprays of flat, scale-like foliage, Primo® delivers architectural interest in miniature. Its formal columnar shape makes it look like a miniature topiary without the snips.

Perfect for container gardens on patios and porches
Use as a space-saving vertical accent in small foundation beds
Plant in rows for tiny hedges or edging
Great for Bonsai gardens or fairy landscapes
Tuck into mixed borders for evergreen texture
Perfect accents for balcony and apartment gardens!
Add to winter planters for year-round interest

Care and Maintenance

This broadleaf evergreen shrub is slow-growing, cold-hardy, and perfect for gardeners who love form with little fuss. Primo® Arborvitae thrives in full sun and moist, well-drained soils, but it's tougher than it looks. Read in-depth Arborvitae care information here.

Planting Time: Best in spring or fall
Sun Needs: Full sun to part shade (at least 6 hours of direct sun)
Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained preferred; handles clay and urban soils
Moisture Needs: Moderate; water regularly until established
Arborist Mulch: A 3-4 inch deep layer of bark chips or shredded mulch helps conserve moisture and regulate temperature
Fertilization Needs: Apply balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring
Pruning Info: Rarely needed due to slow, compact growth; prune lightly in spring if shaping is desired
Special Needs/Perks/Growing Tips:

Cold-hardy
Pollution tolerant
Deer resistant
Handles compacted soils and small urban spaces

Big Personality In A Little Package

If you're short on space but big on style, Primo® Arborvitae delivers! This dwarf evergreen offers crisp structure, rich year-round color, and low-maintenance charm that fits in a flowerpot or tiny garden nook. It's the top pick for compact class.

Get yours today, and Nature Hills Online Plant Oursery will ship this fantastic little gem to your doorstep!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What planting zones is Primo® Dwarf Arborvitae hardy in?

Primo® Dwarf Arborvitae is hardy in USDA planting zones 4-8. This cold-hardy evergreen handles heavy snow, freezing winds, and challenging winter conditions while maintaining its deep green color year-round. Plant it confidently in northern climates where many other evergreens struggle.

What are the watering requirements for Primo® Dwarf Arborvitae after planting?

Water Primo® Dwarf Arborvitae deeply twice weekly for the first growing season to establish its 3-4 foot mature root system. Once established in zones 4-8, this slow-growing evergreen tolerates some drought. Check soil moisture regularly and shop at Nature Hills for proper planting guidance.

Does Primo® Dwarf Arborvitae need pruning, and when is the best time?

Primo® Dwarf Arborvitae requires no regular pruning due to its naturally dense, uniform growth habit. If light shaping is needed, prune in late spring after new growth hardens but before summer heat sets in.

Can Primo® Dwarf Arborvitae be grown in containers?

Yes, Primo® Dwarf Arborvitae thrives in containers due to its compact 3-4 foot mature size and slow growth habit. This hardy evergreen adapts well to container life in USDA Zones 4-8. Choose a container at least 18 inches wide to accommodate its spread.

What type of sun exposure does Primo® Dwarf Arborvitae prefer?

Primo® Dwarf Arborvitae thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. This hardy Zone 4-8 evergreen performs best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal density and color. Shop at Nature Hills for healthy specimens ready to plant.

What soil conditions are best for Primo® Dwarf Arborvitae?

Primo® Dwarf Arborvitae adapts well to most soil types, including clay soil, making it highly versatile for zones 4-8. This hardy evergreen tolerates poor soils and urban conditions with ease. For best results, ensure adequate drainage and avoid waterlogged areas.

Is Primo® Dwarf Arborvitae deer resistant?

Primo® Dwarf Arborvitae offers moderate deer resistance, as most arborvitae varieties do. The dense, aromatic foliage typically deters browsing, though hungry deer may still sample it in harsh winters. For best protection in high deer pressure areas, consider pairing with more deer-resistant plants or protective barriers.

Will Primo® Dwarf Arborvitae stay green through winter or get winter burn?

Primo® Dwarf Arborvitae resists winter browning and maintains its deep green color year-round, unlike many other evergreens. This cold-hardy cultivar thrives in USDA Zones 4-8 and handles heavy snow and harsh winds without damage. Plant it in well-draining soil for best winter performance.

What is your return or exchange policy for Primo® Dwarf Arborvitae?

Live plants like Primo® Dwarf Arborvitae typically have a 30-day guarantee from delivery date. Since this slow-growing evergreen takes time to establish in zones 4-8, watch for new growth rather than immediate changes. Contact customer service within the guarantee period if your plant arrives damaged or fails to thrive.

Primo® Dwarf Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis 'IslPrim'