Fire Chief™ Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis 'Congabe'

Southern Living®

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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Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This evergreen performs best in full sun, meaning at least 6 hours of direct light daily. While it can handle light afternoon shade, more sun ensures the most vibrant orange-red foliage tips that give the plant its name.
Soil: It thrives in moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. If you have heavy clay, plant it in a slight mound or "high" to prevent the roots from sitting in stagnant water, which can lead to root rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first year, water your Fire Chief™ Arborvitae twice a week to ensure the root ball stays moist while it establishes. Once mature, this shrub is remarkably drought-tolerant, but inconsistent watering during extreme heat can lead to browning or "flagging" of the interior needles. Aim for deep soakings at the base rather than frequent light sprinkles to encourage a deep, resilient root system.

Pruning Tips

This cultivar is a slow-growing globe that naturally keeps its rounded shape, so it rarely requires pruning. If you choose to tidy it up, do so in early spring before new growth begins, as it produces new foliage on old wood. Think of it like a light trim rather than a heavy haircut; never cut back into the "dead zone" or the leafless interior branches, because they will not regrow.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release evergreen fertilizer in early spring just as the weather begins to warm. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer or fall. This prevents the plant from producing tender new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost, which leads to winter burn and dieback.

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	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	3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b
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

Bright and colorful Fire Chief™ Arborvitae, (Thuja occidentalis 'Congabe') is an evergreen plant that displays distinctive foliage coloration with reddish tips. Featuring a mid-sized rounded growth habit and an easy-to-grow nature.

The Fire Chief™ Arborvitae is well suited for providing attractive and colorful ornamentation amid the more usual greenery of the landscape. In addition to the red tips, the yellow-green foliage stands out dramatically!

Hardy throughout USDA planting zones 5 to 8 and grows into a showy evergreen ornamental 3-5 feet in height and a bit slimmer in width. A member of the Southern Living® plant line, the fiery color is disease, deer-resistant & cold hardy!

Landscape Application:

Need an eye-catching foundation hedge to light up your brick home, or a property divider that separates your front yard from the street? The Fire Chief™ is a surefire fit! Create colorful pops of red throughout mixed shrub borders, in the landscape by using this shrub as backdrops to your garden beds, and as prominent specimens!

Plant large groupings and en masse installations for your backyard songbirds, and Fire Chief™ Arborvitae provides food and shelter for wildlife. In smaller settings, plant this showy ornamental in large planters and pots on your sunny porches and balcony gardens!

Red-Tipped Bright Green Evergreen
Naturally Rounded Form
Attracts Wildlife As A Food Source
Holds Color Well In Winter
Great in Containers, Facer Plants, Edging & Border Plants

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soils in full sun, you will get the best red color when grown in full sun conditions and tolerates more shaded locations but the foliage is more green in coloration. Adaptable to a wide range of soil tolerance, Arborvitae prefers moist, well-drained loams, and Fire Chief™ is intolerant of dry conditions.

A good layer of mulch around their root and a good long drink before winter helps these evergreens resist both sun and winter burning. In areas with high deer pressure, treat with deer repellant from day one to train your local wildlife to steer clear of your shrubs.

Full Sun to Light Shade
Well-Drained Soil Types
Regular Moderate Moisture Access
Trim If Needed In Spring After First Flush
Adaptable & Versatile Evergreens

The Fire Chief™ Arborvitae is a colorful and versatile mid-sized shrub that will You'll want a Fire Chief Arborvitae in your garden. Order from NatureHills.com today!

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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.