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Little Giant Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis 'Little Giant'

Regular price $10499
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Plant Highlights

Little Giant Arborvitae highlights at a glance!

Specifications

  • Brand
    Nature Hills' Choice
  • Botanical Name
    Thuja occidentalis 'Little Giant'
  • Growing Zones
    3-8
  • Mature Height
    4 - 5 feet
  • Mature Spread
    3 - 4 feet
  • Sun Exposure
    Full Sun
  • Moisture
    Moderate
  • Soil
    Well-Drained
  • Growth Rate
    Slow
  • Fall Color
    Evergreen
  • Pruning Time
    Early Spring

Polish up your landscape with an easy-care, fine-textured, evergreen. Little Giant Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Little Giant') grows into a perfect, round ball without pruning or trimming. This is an easy choice if you want to add a formal flair without working hard. It will grow slowly - but surely - into a tidy green accent.

Little Giant's foliage is rich, deep green, and develops in flat, fan-shaped sprays of lacy needles. The foliage develops in all directions to maintain the overall round form.

The color remains a consistent dark green all year long. No winter bronzing with this selection! You'll be surprised by the rugged nature of this cute, little plant. Little Giant takes the cold, grows in areas that get wet periodically, and even tolerates salt.

Everyone wants this kind of charming green ball, and with this variety, you won't have to trim or shape it. It is one of only a handful of landscape plants that grow naturally spherical.

That means that Little Giant will really stand out against all the cones and columns you're used to seeing in evergreens throughout the year. This small shrub makes a gigantic visual impact on your landscape.

Landscape Application:

Little Gem looks wonderful all year long. Go ahead and feel 'house-proud' with the help of these easy little evergreen balls. Try Little Giant as a replacement for Boxwood and Hollies. This versatile plant can be used in many garden applications, including hedges, massed planting, containers, and as an accent or specimen!

Little Giant Arborvitae make excellent low evergreen hedges that help to define your garden beds throughout your landscape. Think of it as adding a beautiful ribbon and lavish bow around a high-end present.

You'll want to tuck these green spheres into your foundation planting. Line your walkway, face your larger shrubs, or place one on either side to flank your entrance. Create a neat and uniform evergreen hedge by planting 2 feet on center. Measure from the center of one to the center of the next.

Try them in a series of exterior containers to amp up the impact. Go ultra-modern with a tall, streamlined column for a compelling contrast, or stay traditional with low, square boxes. Or, use them as a 'Thriller' in a larger container and add flowering 'Fillers and Spillers'. They work with any garden style. Use containers between your garage door bays, on either side of an entrance or gate, or on your patio, deck, or porch for a very sophisticated look.

A single Little Giant also makes an interesting specimen plant. You'll have the room, no matter how tiny your lot might be!

Have a low-lying area in your landscape that periodically gets damp, but doesn't stay wet for too long? Create a fabulous massed planting with zig-zagging rows of Little Giant placed 2 feet apart on center. Mulch between the shrubs and keep new mass plantings weeded until the canopies grow together.

Repeat them along the length of your perennial border to add much-needed structure. Allow them to grow to the full height and spread listed on the Plant Highlights. Get your weekends back! Imagine enjoying a tidy row of perfect, little green balls with no pruning.

  • Rich, Green Foliage
  • Naturally Round Shape Without Pruning
  • Holds Color Well in Winter
  • Extremely Versatile En Masse or Container Gardens
  • Excellent Accent Shrub, Low Borders & Hedges & Showy Specimens

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Little Giant does the best in full sun. However, it will generally appreciate some light afternoon shade in hot summer climates. Although this is a tough selection, it's a good idea to protect your investment when you can. Try to provide a sheltered spot, away from the worst of the winter winds, if possible.

Little Giant Arborvitae can be grown in many different types of soils, including damp ones. It is not particular to soil pH.

Give it a moderate amount of water on a regular basis. Add a thick layer of mulch to maintain good, even moisture and keep the root system nice and cool in the heat of summer. Mulch also keeps the plants clean and the landscape looking sharp.

It remains evergreen year-round, but you may notice that some of the older interior foliage will be shed each fall. This is a normal renewal cycle. Overall, the plants will always be green and vibrant.

Apply evergreen fertilizer in early spring according to the directions. Every other year, add a top-dressing of compost to improve your soil quality over time.

  • 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

You'll adore these fluffy, globe-shaped evergreen shrubs. Order your Little Giant Arborvitae from the expert growers at Nature Hills today! In a hurry to see results? Size up to our largest available container. Buying larger, older plants gives you a big head start, and you'll be so pleased by the quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big does Little Giant Arborvitae get?

  • It grows slowly into a rounded 3-4 foot shrub, making it perfect for small gardens and container use.

Does Little Giant Arborvitae need pruning?

  • No! It naturally forms a round globe shape. Light pruning in spring is optional.

Will Little Giant Arborvitae turn brown in winter?

  • Unlike many Arborvitae varieties, it holds its deep green color year-round with no winter bronzing.

Can Little Giant Arborvitae grow in wet soil?

  • Yes, it tolerates periodic wet soil and even handles salt exposure, making it versatile for challenging sites.

What plants pair well with Little Giant Arborvitae?

  • Great companion plants include perennials like Geraniums, Hostas, and ornamental grasses, or flowering shrubs like Hydrangeas and Rose bushes.

Customer Reviews

Based on 6 reviews
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J
Jenny
Deep green

The little giant is nice but a very slow grower. So happy I got the 3 gallon size. I was very impressed with what I received. It's not for someone wanting quick results!

Hi Jenny,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the Little Giant Arborvitae! We're delighted to hear you were impressed with the quality of your 3-gallon plant. You're absolutely right—this variety is known for its majestic slow growth, making it perfect for those who appreciate steady, long-term development rather than quick results.

To help your Little Giant thrive, consider planting it in well-draining soil with consistent moisture, avoiding overly soggy conditions. Regular mulching can also protect the roots and help retain moisture. Patience truly pays off with this grand performer, and we're confident you'll enjoy watching its deep green beauty fill in your landscape over time.

If you ever have any questions or need further tips as it grows, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re always here to help.

Growing with you,
Nature Hills Nursery – Your Trusted Plant Specialists

J
Jenny
Deep green

The little giant is nice but a very slow grower. So happy I got the 3 gallon size. I was very impressed with what I received. It's not for someone wanting quick results!

Hi Jenny,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with the Little Giant Arborvitae! We’re glad to hear that you were impressed with the 3-gallon size you received. You’re absolutely right—this variety is a slow grower, but its vibrant deep green foliage will make it worth the patiently anticipated growth over time.

As you nurture your Little Giant, just a reminder to plant it in well-draining soil with plenty of sunlight to help encourage steady, healthy growth. Regular mulching and consistent watering during the first few seasons can also give it a great start. If you ever need more care tips or suggestions on companion plants that thrive in similar conditions, we’re here and happy to help!

Thanks again for your thoughtful review—we truly appreciate you choosing Nature Hills for your garden.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

s
sunny
good

ice shrub

Dear Sunny,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts about your Little Giant Arborvitae! We’re delighted to hear you are pleased with this charming “ice shrub.” The Little Giant is known for its dense, compact growth and icy bluish-green foliage, making it a fantastic accent or privacy screen in your garden.

If you ever need tips on care, such as the ideal watering routine or pruning advice to keep it healthy and vibrant, don’t hesitate to reach out. We also have some great resources on our website including planting guides to help your Arborvitae thrive.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

S
Sunny
good

ice shrub

Hello Sunny,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback on your Little Giant Arborvitae! We’re glad to hear you’re happy with your 'ice shrub'—it’s a stunning choice that’s known for its beautiful silvery-blue foliage and its resilience in varied climates. If you ever have any questions about care, such as recommended watering, pruning tips, or ideal planting conditions for your Arborvitae, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here to help your garden thrive!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

T
Tom
Great Shrub

These are a really nice looking shrub. They will make an excellent low hedge along a walkway. Very happy with this purchase.

Hi Tom,

Thank you so much for sharing your positive experience with the Little Giant Arborvitae! We're delighted to hear that they’re looking great and will serve perfectly as a low hedge along your walkway. These shrubs are truly wonderful for adding structure and year-round greenery to your landscape.

If you need any tips on care or pruning to keep them healthy and well-shaped, feel free to reach out. Little Giant Arborvitaes tend to do best with consistent moisture and some morning sun, so keeping an eye on watering during hot spells can help them thrive.

We appreciate you trusting NatureHills.com for your garden, and we’re here whenever you need gardening advice or support.

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

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