Hetz Midget Arborvitae

Name: Hetz Midget Arborvitae
Brand: Nature Hills Nursery
SKU: 10065
Price: 93.24 USD
Availability: InStock

Thuja occidentalis 'Hetz Midget'

Nature Hills Nursery

$93²⁴

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In Stock

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Plant Size

#3 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This evergreen thrives in full sun, meaning it needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to maintain its dense, tight globe shape. While it can handle partial shade, the foliage will become loose and "leggy" as the plant stretches to find more light.
Soil: It prefers moist, well-drained loamy soil but is adaptable to many types. If you have heavy clay, mix in some organic compost at planting to improve drainage, as "wet feet" or standing water can lead to root rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first year, water your Hetz Midget twice a week to ensure the root ball stays moist while it establishes. Once mature, this arborvitae is remarkably drought-tolerant, though it will appreciate a deep soaking during mid-summer dry spells to prevent the interior needles from browning. Inconsistent watering during heat waves can lead to "stress flagging," where the tips of the branches temporarily lose their vibrant green color.

Pruning Tips

Because this is a naturally dwarf cultivar that keeps its round shape, pruning is rarely necessary. If you want 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; only snip the outer tips to encourage thicker growth and maintain that perfect ball silhouette.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release evergreen fertilizer in early spring just as the ground thaws to fuel the season's growth. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer or fall. Doing so can trigger a flush of tender new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost, leading to winter burn and tip dieback.

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 6-12	Week of March 2nd

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.

A naturally rounded, dense evergreen, the Hetz Midget Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Hetz Midget') is a dense, slow-growing evergreen that requires no shearing to maintain its naturally round, globe form.

The Hetz Midget Arborvitae is identified primarily by unique flat and filigree sprays made up of tiny, scaly leaves. It has fine rich green foliage during the summer that takes on a purple cast in the winter months. The tidy fluffy fine-textured foliage is soft to the touch, compactly growing, and holds its color without fading.

With no significant disease or insect problems Hetz Midget Arborvitae is long-lived and a great investment for USDA planting zones 3-8 landscapes, growing 2 - 3 feet in height and width at maturity.

Landscape Application:

Being one of the smallest miniature landscape evergreens, Hetz Midget Arborvitae can be used in a front row of layered foundation plantings or as an accent or border in perennial beds. It also makes a great informal low hedge.

They'll make a wonderful ribbon of steady green color to define garden areas. Dwarf Arborvitae are naturally neat and tidy and perfect for adding a formal touch and finer texture that looks soft and pleasing!

Have fun with Hetz Midget on hard-to-mow slopes and hillsides or large swaths of ground by creating geometric patterns for a living maze, labyrinth, or checkerboard. Add to a hedge as a facer plant, or part of a privacy planting as a border! Hertz Midget looks terrific planted at the base of everything from taller American Arborvitae to flowering shrubs.

Use Hetz Midget as an easy-care Thriller in exterior containers on porches, patios, and balcony gardens! Place one on either side of your front door to elevate them and increase their impact with a favorite filler or spiller around their base.

March a series of ultra-modern containers along the length of your pool deck for a very high-end look. Run drip irrigation to keep the containers watered, and get your weekends back!

Rich Green Foliage
Natural Globe Form
Neat & Tidy Shape
Pretty Purple Cast in Autumn
Works Beautifully As Low Hedge, Define Garden Beds & In Containers

#ProPlantTips for Care:

This Arborvitae prefers full sun and light shade to do best in well-draining soil sites but does need protection from strong winds - especially drying cold northern winds. Hetz is adaptable to a wide variety of soil types and moisture availability but does best in moderate yet regular moisture access with a mulched garden bed. Pruning is needed rarely for this smaller shrub but wayward branches and uneven growth can be nipped off in the spring after the first flush of growth.

Full Sun Shrubs
Well-Drained Soil - Tolerates Salt
Moderate Moisture Needs - Tolerates Periodically Wet Areas
Prune If Needed In Spring
Slow Growing, Won't Outgrow It's Space

Being a very tough and durable plant, Hetz Midget Dwarf Arborvitae makes a popular accent plant for mixed borders or containers! Order one today at NatureHills.com!

Botanical Name

Thuja occidentalis 'Hetz Midget'
Class
- Pinopsida
Species

occidentalis
Cultivar

Hetz Midget
Growing Zones

3-7
Height

3-4 ft
Width

3-4 ft
Sunlight
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Growth Rate

Slow
Flower Color
- Green
Leaf Color
- Green
Fall Color

Evergreen
Bloom Period

Late Spring
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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Growing Zones 3-7

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the sunlight requirements for Hetz Midget Arborvitae?

Hetz Midget Arborvitae thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. This hardy evergreen performs well across USDA zones 3-8 with at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. For best foliage color and compact growth, plant in a location with morning sun and some afternoon protection in hotter climates.

What type of soil does Hetz Midget Arborvitae prefer?

Hetz Midget Arborvitae thrives in well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil with consistent moisture. This hardy evergreen adapts to various soil types in zones 3-8 but performs best with good drainage to prevent root rot. Shop at Nature Hills for healthy specimens that establish quickly in properly prepared soil.

How do I plant Hetz Midget Arborvitae when it arrives?

Plant Hetz Midget Arborvitae in well-draining soil in full to partial sun. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, then backfill with native soil. Water thoroughly after planting and mulch around the base to retain moisture.

What is the growth rate of Hetz Midget Arborvitae?

Hetz Midget Arborvitae is a slow-growing evergreen that reaches just 2-3 feet tall and wide at maturity. This compact dwarf variety naturally maintains its rounded shape without pruning. Plan for gradual growth over several years to reach full size.

Can Hetz Midget Arborvitae be used as a low hedge, and how far apart should plants be spaced?

Yes, Hetz Midget Arborvitae makes an excellent informal low hedge, reaching 2-3 feet tall and wide at maturity. For a dense hedge effect, space plants 18-24 inches apart on center. This slow-growing evergreen requires no shearing and thrives in zones 3-8. Shop Nature Hills for healthy specimens.

Is Hetz Midget Arborvitae deer resistant?

Hetz Midget Arborvitae has moderate deer resistance, though hungry deer may browse it during harsh winters. The dense, scaly foliage texture is less appealing to deer than softer plants. For best protection in zones 3-8, plant near less palatable companions or use deterrent sprays during winter months.

What states or areas does Hetz Midget Arborvitae not ship to?

Hetz Midget Arborvitae ships to most areas within USDA zones 3-8 where it thrives. Shipping restrictions typically apply to Hawaii, Alaska, and some areas with agricultural quarantines. Check your specific zip code at checkout to confirm availability in your location.

What care is needed after planting Hetz Midget Arborvitae, like watering and fertilizing?

Water regularly the first year to establish roots, then Hetz Midget becomes quite drought tolerant. This slow-growing evergreen needs minimal fertilizer - just apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring. No pruning required since it naturally maintains its compact 2-3 foot globe shape.

Will Hetz Midget Arborvitae thrive in hot, humid summers or urban pollution?

Hetz Midget Arborvitae tolerates urban conditions well and thrives in zones 3-8, handling both hot summers and humidity. This hardy evergreen has no significant disease or insect problems. Plant in well-draining soil and provide adequate water during establishment for best results.