Junior Giant Arborvitae

Thuja x plicata 'Junior Giant' PP31,297

Nature Hills Nursery

Narrow Columnar Form Reaches 40 Feet Tall in Tight Spaces Other Thuja Trees Cannot Fit
Thrives in Zones 5-8
Evergreen Year-Round Color and Privacy
Perfect for Privacy Screen or Hedge
Moderate-Growing in Full Sun to Partial Shade

$39⁶⁷

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Plant Size

#1 Container 1-2 Feet #2 Container 2-3 Feet #3 Container 3-4 Feet

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Give this tree full sun, meaning at least 6 hours of direct light daily, to keep the foliage dense and vibrant. While it can tolerate partial shade, too much shade often results in thinner growth and a less robust shape.
Soil: Plant in well-drained soil that stays consistently moist but never soggy. If you have heavy clay soil, amend it with compost to improve drainage or plant slightly elevated to prevent "wet feet," which can cause root rot.

Watering Requirements

Keep the soil consistently moist for the first year or two to help the extensive root system establish. Once established, Junior Giant is fairly drought tolerant, though deep watering during dry spells is still necessary to prevent browning and reduce stress.

Pruning Tips

This variety maintains its shape naturally, so pruning is rarely needed unless you are maintaining a specific size or formal hedge. If you do prune, do it in early spring before new growth appears, and never cut into old wood that lacks green needles as it will not regrow.

Fertilizer Needs

Feed your tree in early spring with a slow-release, granular fertilizer formulated for evergreens to support lush growth. Avoid applying high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the season, as this pushes tender new growth that may be damaged by winter frost.

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

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Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Evergreen, Fast-growing, Low Maintenance, Hedge/Screen
Hardiness Zone	5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	15-20 ft
Width	3-5 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Peaty
Growth Rate	Moderate
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Yellow, Brown, Green
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Arborvitae
Botanical Name	Thuja x plicata 'Junior Giant' PP31,297
Species	x plicata
Cultivar	Junior Giant
Class	Pinopsida, Coniferopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

A Mini, Skinny Titan - Junior Giant Arborvitae

A compact privacy powerhouse! The Junior Giant Arborvitae PP#31,297 (Thuja x plicata 'Junior Giant') is the fun-sized cousin of the popular Green Giant Arborvitae, prized for its narrower, more compact habit that still delivers impressive height. This evergreen conifer is fast-growing, fragrant, and incredibly low-maintenance. It provides a dense, lush screen that stays green year-round, without taking up the real estate of its larger relatives.

It's perfect for tight suburban lots or smaller landscapes needing privacy in a hurry! With a naturally pyramidal shape, Junior Giant reaches about 20 feet tall and 3-5 feet wide at maturity. Its scale-like, rich green foliage grows in flat, fan-shaped sprays, giving it that classic arborvitae texture. Unlike some evergreens that brown or bronze in winter, this one keeps its fresh green color all year long.

Native to the Pacific Northwest, Western Redcedar (Thuja plicata) has long been revered by Indigenous cultures for its wood and spiritual symbolism of protection and endurance. It rarely produces cones, and when it does, they are small and unobtrusive.

Key Features

Compact cultivar of the famous Green Giant Arborvitae
Fast-growing evergreen reaching 15-20 feet tall
Bagworm and pest-resistant!
Stays narrow at 3-5 feet wide—ideal for tight spaces!
Fragrant, deep green foliage year-round
Urban condition/pollution-tolerant, and deer resistant
Thrives in USDA Zones 5–8

Landscaping Uses

This space-saving conifer grows in a narrow pyramidal form. It is resistant to deer, pests, and diseases, making it an easy-care solution for privacy, windbreaks, or evergreen accents.

Excellent for narrow hedgerows and privacy screens
Great for privacy screens and windbreaks
Use as a living fence along property lines
A perfect backdrop for Landscape beds and Garden borders
Ideal for tall privacy in small-space landscapes
Punctuation mark-like accent plant for formal or informal garden styles
Works well in large containers when young
Fantastic formal row along driveways

Care and Maintenance

This Arborvitae is sun-loving, hardy, and incredibly tough. It handles humidity, poor soils, and city conditions with ease. Junior Giant is a hardy Arborvitae that brings that legacy to modern yards! This cultivar tolerates heat, humidity, and even urban pollution with ease, thriving in full sun to part shade.

Planting Time: Best planted in spring or fall
Sun Needs: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained soil; tolerates clay, loam, or sandy soils. Avoid standing water
Moisture Needs: Moderate; water regularly during establishment
Mulch: Apply a 3-4 inch deep layer of bark mulch around the base; compost can be mixed into the planting hole to improve soil
Fertilization Needs: Light feeding in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer
Arborvitae Pruning Info: Minimal pruning needed; shape in early spring if desired
Special Needs/Perks:

Deer resistant
Pollution and salt-tolerant
Great for small-space gardeners
Heat and humidity-tolerant
Resistant to bagworms and most common Arborvitae pests!

A Little Giant With Big Impact

For gardeners short on space but big on privacy needs, Junior Giant is the answer. This little giant packs all the punch of its larger kin with none of the sprawl. Its lush evergreen form adds structure, protection, and elegance to any yard!

Buy now and Nature Hills will ship Junior Giant Arborvitae at the ideal time for planting in your growing zone.

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Growing Zones 5-8

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Frequently Asked Questions

How tall and wide does Junior Giant Arborvitae get at maturity?

Junior Giant Arborvitae reaches 15-20 feet tall and stays narrow at just 3-5 feet wide at maturity. This compact habit makes it perfect for tight spaces where you need privacy without sacrificing yard space. Plan for about 4-6 feet between plants for a solid screen.

How fast does Junior Giant Arborvitae grow each year?

Junior Giant Arborvitae grows 1-2 feet per year, reaching 15-20 feet tall at maturity. This fast-growing evergreen thrives in zones 5-8 and maintains its narrow 3-5 foot width. Shop at Nature Hills for this compact privacy solution that delivers quick results.

What are the soil and sunlight requirements for planting Junior Giant Arborvitae?

Junior Giant Arborvitae thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts to most well-draining soils. This hardy evergreen tolerates urban conditions and performs best in USDA Zones 5-8. Plant in spring or fall for optimal establishment.

Does Junior Giant Arborvitae need pruning, and when?

Junior Giant Arborvitae maintains its naturally pyramidal shape with minimal pruning needed. Its compact habit means you'll rarely need to trim for size control. Light shaping can be done in late spring after new growth hardens, focusing on any wayward branches.

What is the cold hardiness temperature for Junior Giant Arborvitae?

Junior Giant Arborvitae is cold hardy in USDA Zones 5-8, tolerating winter temperatures down to -20°F. This tough evergreen maintains its green color year-round without winter bronzing. Shop at Nature Hills for this compact privacy solution that thrives in most temperate climates.

Will Junior Giant Arborvitae tolerate drought, heat, or urban pollution once established?

Junior Giant Arborvitae is urban condition and pollution-tolerant once established, making it excellent for city environments. It thrives in USDA Zones 5-8 and handles typical urban stresses well. Water regularly the first year to establish strong roots for best drought tolerance.