Little Giant Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Little Giant'
- Stay Protected with Plant Sentry ™
Little Giant Arborvitae - #3 Container is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry is designed to protect both consumers and the nursery trade from invasive plant pests and diseases. Sites that display the Plant Sentry protection badge are protected from consumers buying and nurseries shipping material carrying invasive pests and diseases.
This proprietary eCommerce software prevents the shipment of a restricted plant to each state. The Plant Sentry system includes a shipment certification program. The Plant Sentry Compliance Officer works closely with NatureHills.com and each nursery or fulfillment center to ensure only compliant plants are sold to customers.
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Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Shipping
To obtain a more accurate shipment time-frame, simply enter your zip code in the “Find Your Growing Zone” box to the right. Our plants are grown all over the country and lead time on items may be different because of this. Once your order is placed, you will also receive the specific shipment time-frame information as part of your order confirmation. Once an item ships, you will receive shipment notification and tracking numbers, so you can follow along while your plant travels to your doorstep. We use FedEx, UPS, or USPS at our discretion.
Due to winter weather we have put a hold on shipping to the areas shown below in grey. You can still order now and we will ship the plant to you during an appropriate time for your zone.
Standard Shipping Rates
At Nature Hills we handle, package and ship the products you order with the utmost care to ensure healthy delivery. Shipping and handling charges are calculated based on the tables below. Please note that some items include an additional handling surcharge, these will be noted on the item's product page.
| From | To | S&H |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $19.99 | $24.99 |
| $20 | $49.99 | $29.99 |
| $50 | $69.99 | $34.99 |
| $70 | $99.99 | $39.99 |
| $100 | $129.99 | $44.99 |
| $130 | $149.99 | $48.99 |
| $150 | $150+ | Approx 28% |
Click here to see our full rates
Understanding Plant Options
Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:
- Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
- Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements
Container Plant Sizes
Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.
Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 2" x 2" x 3" | 0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts | 0.20 - 0.23 dry liters |
| 4" Container | 0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts | 0.35 - 0.96 dry liters |
| 4.5" Container | 0.65 dry quarts | 0.72 dry liters |
| 6" Container | 1.4 dry quarts | 1.59 dry liters |
| 1 Quart | 1 dry quart | 1.1 dry liters |
| 5.5" Container | 1.89 dry quarts | 2.08 dry liters |
Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Quart | 2 dry quarts | 2.2 dry liters |
| #1 Container | 2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts | 2.49 - 4.11 dry liters |
| 5" x 5" x 12" | 3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts | 3.85 - 4.74 dry liters |
Mature Plants (2-4 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| #2 Container | 1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons | 5.24 - 7.75 dry liters |
| #3 Container | 2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons | 8.14 - 12.16 dry liters |
Large Plants (3-5 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| #5 Container | 2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons | 12.86 - 20.35 dry liters |
| #6 Container | 5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons | 23.12 - 26.42 dry liters |
| #7 Container | 5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons | 26.34 - 28.76 dry liters |
Bare Root Plants
Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.
Common Sizes:
- Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
- Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet
Important Notes
Container Volume Specifications
- Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
- Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
- Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents
Growing Conditions
- Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
- Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
- Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment
Seasonal Availability
- Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
- Container plants are available throughout the growing season
- Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes
Questions?
For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.
Plant Highlights
Little Giant Arborvitae highlights at a glance!
Specifications
Specifications
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Brand
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Botanical Name
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Growing Zones
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Mature Height
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Mature Spread
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Sun ExposureFull Sun
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Moisture
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Soil
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Growth RateSlow
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Fall Color
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Pruning Time
Growing Zones 3-8
Little Giant Arborvitae - Perfect Round Evergreen
Looking for a landscape plant that practically takes care of itself? Meet the Little Giant Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Little Giant'), a slow-growing, evergreen shrub that naturally forms a dense, round ball shape without pruning. Its deep green, fine-textured, fan-shaped foliage stays vibrant year-round with no winter bronzing, making it one of the most reliable globe-shaped evergreens for home landscapes. Tough, low-maintenance, and compact, it adds instant formal flair to any garden design!
This hardy Arborvitae thrives with minimal care while offering lush color and structure. Its soft, rich-green foliage holds through all four seasons and grows in lacy sprays that build up into a perfect, tidy mound. Belonging to the Cypress family, it shares kinship with other beloved evergreens but stands out for its naturally compact, globe-like shape that requires no shearing.
>>Jump to Planting & Care Instructions
Key Features
- Naturally round, globe-shaped evergreen, no pruning needed
- Rich dark-green color that holds through winter, no bronzing
- Handles cold climates, wet spots, and salt tolerance
- Slow-growing, compact size fits small gardens or containers
- Versatile use: hedges, borders, foundation plants, or specimen shrubs
Landscaping Uses
The Little Giant Arborvitae is a true design gem for modern and traditional landscapes alike. Growing slowly into a rounded 3-4 foot shrub, it’s perfect for small spaces, walkways, foundation beds, and container gardens.
Rugged and adaptable, this dwarf evergreen shrub handles cold winters, tolerates periodic wet soils, and even withstands road salt, something few landscape plants can claim!
Native to North America, Thuja occidentalis has long been valued as a dependable hedge and accent shrub in both formal and naturalistic landscapes.
- Use as a Boxwood or Holly alternative for low-maintenance hedges
- Line walkways, patios, or entrances for a tidy, formal look
- Plant in containers for year-round curb appeal
- Group in mass plantings for evergreen structure and texture
- Place as single specimens for small-space landscapes
- Pair with perennials like Geraniums, Hostas, Salvia, and ornamental grasses for layered interest
Care & Maintenance
Little Giant Arborvitae is incredibly easy to grow, making it a favorite for beginner and experienced gardeners alike. This shrub is a slow-growing, broadleaf evergreen that stays neat and compact without fuss.
- Planting Zones: USDA zones 3-8
- Planting Time: Best in spring or fall for strong root establishment
- Sun Requirements: Full sun for best color, tolerates light afternoon shade in hot regions
- Soil Requirements: Adaptable to most soils, including damp sites, prefers well-drained but tolerates clay soil and salt
- Moisture Needs: Moderate, water regularly the first year, then use the Finger Test to monitor moisture
- Mulching: Apply a 3-4 inch layer of arborist mulch to conserve water, regulate soil temperature, and keep roots healthy
- Fertilization: Apply evergreen fertilizer in early spring, add compost every other year to enrich the soil
- Pruning Info: Naturally round, but light shaping in spring if needed, sheds old interior foliage in fall as part of normal renewal
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Special Perks:
- Cold-hardy
- Salt-tolerant
- Low-maintenance
- Pest and disease-resistant
Don’t forget to order your Nature Hills Root Booster to give your Little Giant Arborvitae lifelong support with mycorrhizal fungi.
Green Perfection in a Small Package
Bring year-round structure and effortless elegance to your garden with the Little Giant Arborvitae. Its naturally spherical form, deep green color, and easy-going nature make it a landscape essential for any size yard. Buy now and Nature Hills will ship your Little Giant Arborvitae directly to your door at the right planting time for your growing zone!
