Proven Winners® Cheer Drops® Arborvitae

Meet the cheerful Proven Winners® Cheer Drops® Arborvitae PP#33,286 (Thuja occidentalis 'SMNTDGT'), a unique dwarf cultivar known for its thick, fluffy, upright teardrop shape and soft green foliage! This Arborvitae is a standout for its tidy, symmetrical form and compact size, making it ideal for landscapes where a smaller evergreen is needed. It holds its vibrant green color all year long, even in the dead of winter, and doesn't bronze, like some other Arborvitaes.

Its habit is narrow at the base and gently tapers upward like an upside-down teardrop, reaching up to 18 feet tall and just 6-8 feet wide when mature. Its foliage is made up of flattened sprays of scale-like leaves that stay lush and full from top to bottom. This dense, layered texture gives it a refined, tailored look in all seasons. Unlike some Arborvitaes that thin out or become leggy over time, Cheer Drops® stays thick and healthy with very little effort.

Cheer Drops® is a cultivar of American Arborvitae, native to the northeastern U.S. and parts of southeastern Canada. Thuja occidentalis has long been used for hedging and medicinal purposes by Indigenous peoples—its vitamin C-rich foliage was used to treat scurvy. Today, this tough-as-nails evergreen thrives in USDA Zones 3 through 7, is deer-resistant once established, and handles both cold winters and hot, humid summers.

Key Features

• Teardrop-shaped, compact, narrow-growing, and symmetrical
• Soft evergreen foliage remains green all year
• Dwarf form of American Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)
• Won't bronze in winter
• Tolerates cold winters
• Deer-resistant once established
• Ideal for USDA hardiness zones 3–7

Landscaping Uses

With its narrow habit, it fits beautifully in tight garden spaces, small yards, or as a vertical accent in containers. Cheer Drops® Arborvitae grows 10–18 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide, with a tidy teardrop form perfect for vertical accents.

• Compact teardrop-shaped Arborvitae perfect for small spaces!
• Use as a focal point in small gardens, Asian-inspired designs, and backdrops
• Plant in rows for a narrow evergreen hedge - use a zig-zag pattern for faster fill
• Excellent for entryway framing or foundation planting
• Great choice for effortless formal or structured designs
• Works well in large containers or planters - try yours in a pair of matching urns
• Use in urban gardens with limited space
• Great living fence and friendly property division the neighbors won't mind being screened off by!
• Great wildlife and bird-friendly shelterbelts, windbreaks, and shelter

Care and Maintenance

Arborvitae are very easy to grow! It grows best in full sun, withstanding urban pollution, compacted soils, and wind better than most. Cheer Drops® Arborvitae is a broadleaf evergreen conifer with exceptional adaptability. It resists deer browsing once mature, and requires very little pruning thanks to its natural shape.

• Planting Time: Best planted in early spring or fall
• Sun Needs: Full sun (6+ hours per day)
• Soil Needs: Well-drained soil; tolerates some clay and compacted soil; avoid soggy conditions
• Moisture Needs: Moderate; water regularly the first year
• Mulch: Apply a 3–4 inch layer of bark mulch to retain moisture and protect roots
• Fertilization Needs: Use a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring if desired
• Arborvitae Pruning Info: Minimal pruning needed; shape only if desired in late spring
• Special Needs/Perks/Growing Tips and Tricks For Success:
• Low maintenance
• Deer-resistant
• Urban tolerant
• Handles compacted soils
• Holds color through cold winters

A Cheerful Vertical Accent For Every Garden!

Cheer Drops® Arborvitae from Proven Winners® is the answer for gardeners seeking a tidy, narrow evergreen that won’t overgrow its space. With its perfect form and low-maintenance personality, this little conifer brings cheer year-round—especially in tight garden spaces.

Order now from Nature Hills Nursery and we’ll ship at the right planting time for your zone!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cheer Drops® Arborvitae deer-resistant?
Yes, once established, it is considered deer-resistant. While no plant is truly deer-proof, Arborvitae tends to become less palatable to deer over time.

How fast does Cheer Drops® Arborvitae grow?
This Arborvitae grows slowly to moderately, averaging 6–10 inches of growth per year depending on soil and climate conditions.

Can I grow Cheer Drops® Arborvitae in a container?
Yes! Its compact shape and slow growth rate make it perfect for large pots or planters on patios and entryways.

Does this Arborvitae need pruning?
It naturally grows in a dense, symmetrical shape and needs little to no pruning, unless you want to lightly shape it.

Does Cheer Drops® turn brown in winter?
No. Unlike many other Arborvitae varieties, it retains its green color through the winter months without bronzing.