Arborvitae

Southern Living® Arborvitae: Columns, Globes, and Groundcovers for Four‑Season Structure

Arborvitae (Thuja) are the quiet heroes of Southern gardens—evergreen, architectural, and remarkably versatile. From slim, sun‑loving columns to glowing gold pyramids and tidy ground‑hugging mounds, the Southern Living Plant Collection curates arborvitae varieties that bring dependable structure, color, and privacy to landscapes with very little upkeep. Whether you’re designing a front‑entry focal point, a narrow screen, or a modern, low hedge, there’s a Southern Living® Arborvitae to fit the space perfectly.

Why Choose Arborvitae

Arborvitae excel in full sun to partial shade, hold foliage beautifully through winter, and keep a naturally polished outline without constant shearing. Most are drought‑tolerant once established and adaptable to a range of well‑drained soils. Use them to frame paths and porches, stitch evergreen rhythm through mixed borders, or create privacy that reads refined rather than bulky.

Featured Southern Living® Selections

Forever Goldy® Arborvitae (Thuja plicata ‘4EVER’)
A slim, golden evergreen column (about 10–12′ H × 3–3.5′ W) that holds bright color in full sun and heat. Ideal for narrow hedges, entry flanks, and water‑wise designs. Space 2.5–3′ on center for a tight screen, 3.5–4′ for stand‑alone accents.

Highlights® Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Janed Gold’)
A glowing, gold arborvitae with a naturally pyramidal‑columnar form (~8–20′ H × ~4′ W). Strong yellow that deepens to gold in heat and holds through winter. Perfect in containers, arborvitae mixed borders, and luminous hedges; space 3–4′ for a quick knit.

Fire Chief™ Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Congabe’)
A compact, globe‑shaped shrub (2–4′ × 2–4′) with seasonal color shifts—spring gold to summer orange, finishing rich red in fall—with little to no pruning. Use as cheerful front‑border punctuation, in mass, or as a low edging. Space 3′ on center for a soft, continuous line.

Green Valley™ Arborvitae (Thuja plicata ‘BLTP’)
A right‑sized screening selection—slower and smaller than ‘Green Giant’—maturing to about 15–20′ H × 6–8′ W (often 10–12′ in the first decade). A refined arborvitae screening shrub for hedges and windbreaks. Space 5–6′ for a fast knit; 6–8′ for individual silhouettes.

Pancake™ Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Concesarini’)
A modern, ground‑hugging evergreen (12–18″ H × 2–3′ W) with layered, flattened foliage that turns a striking blue in winter. No pruning needed. Use as an arborvitae ground cover, to soften hardscape edges, or in drifts through gravel gardens. Space 24–30″ for a near‑continuous carpet, 30–36″ for distinct cushions.

Planting & Care Basics

• Sun: Most Southern Living® Arborvitae prefer full sun; many tolerate partial shade (color is strongest in brighter sites).
• Soil: Average, well‑drained soil is ideal; avoid spots that stay soggy.
• Water: Keep evenly moist the first season; then water deeply but infrequently. Mulch 2–3 inches to moderate moisture and temperature.
• Feeding: A light, balanced, slow‑release fertilizer in early spring supports steady growth.
• Pruning: Minimal. Natural forms stay tidy; tip‑shear after spring flush only if you want crisper lines or a tighter hedge face.

Design Tips

• Mix forms for rhythm: Pair vertical columns (Forever Goldy®, Highlights®) with globes (Fire Chief™) and low mounds (Pancake™) for layered structure.
• Color counterpoint: Gold tones pop against dark hollies, blue junipers, and burgundy loropetalum; echo with chartreuse grasses like Carex ‘Everillo’.
• Smart spacing: Plan for mature width to avoid future crowding—your hedge will be healthier and lower‑maintenance.

From luminous gold spires to compact globes and ground‑level layers, Southern Living® Arborvitae make it simple to build privacy, define spaces, and keep the garden looking manicured—without spending every weekend on maintenance. Choose your forms, space them thoughtfully, and enjoy a four‑season structure that shines.