19 Arborvitae Types for Home Landscapes

Arborvitae is a coniferous evergreen tree or shrub in the Cyprus family. It is native to North America and commonly used as an ornamental. This tree is adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions, provided that the soil is well-draining. Most varieties can be grown reliably in USDA growing zones two through eight. This perennial is long-lived and can live anywhere between 25-150 years! 

Depending on the variety, arborvitae can grow to a wide range of heights—anywhere between a few feet for dwarf varieties and up to 60 feet tall. Most varieties grow in a typical evergreen tree pyramid-like shape but will need regular pruning to maintain this shape over time. Because of their growth habit, they make a great windbreak, hedge, or privacy screen.

Emerald Green

Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’ is also known as ‘Emerald Green’. Grow it in USDA growing zones two through seven. It prefers full sun conditions but will also tolerate light shade. ‘Emerald Green’ has a mature height and spread of 15 feet tall and 4 feet wide. It gets its name from the fact that it tends to hold its bright green color throughout harsh winters.

Unlike other arborvitaes, which often turn dull and slightly brown during the colder months, this variety displays chartreuse winter color. This makes it a stunning background, especially during the cold and grey winter season. 

Green Giant

Thuja plicata x standishii is also known as ‘Green Giant’. This is a hybrid of western red cedar and Japanese thuja. It grows well in zones five through eight. As you can probably guess from its name, it has a fast growth rate and a large mature size. It will reach heights of up to 60 feet!

This variety is an excellent windbreak or property division. Because of their size, they also provide lots of shelter and habitat for local wildlife. When planting these trees alongside other plants in the landscape, be sure to consider their mature height and spread. 

Eastern Arborvitae

This variety of Thuja occidentalis, also known as American arborvitae or Eastern white cedar, can be grown in zones three through seven. It has a slow to medium growth rate and requires a full-sun environment.

This variety is known for its resistance to diseases and pests and is often used in commercial landscaping since it is very low-maintenance. This tree, which is also known as the Northern white cedar, will reach a mature height of 60 feet tall and 20 feet wide. 

Western Red Cedar

This arborvitae variety is also known as Western red cedar. It can be grown in growing zones three through seven and grows best in areas of the Pacific Northwest. The water-resistant wood is often used in making fencing posts that are resistant to rot. It has a moderate growth rate and can grow up to 40 feet tall over a few decades.

Western red cedar can be used as an ornamental in landscaping, though it is highly sought after for its durable and flexible wood for a variety of commercial goods like roofing shingles, decking, and other outdoor structures. 

Golden Arborvitae

Thuja orientalis ‘Aurea Nana’ is also known by the common name golden arborvitae. It can be grown in zones six through nine. Unlike most arborvitaes which require full sun, Golden Arborvitae can tolerate partial shade conditions.

They have a slow growth rate and eventually max out at a size of 12 feet tall and 6 feet wide. Their name reflects their beautiful golden yellow-green foliage, which is soft and feathery. 

North Pole

Thuja occidentalis ‘Art Boe’ is also known as ‘North Pole’ and is one of the more popular types used for creating a privacy hedge because it grows tall and narrow. It can be grown in zones three through eight. It has a moderate growth rate and will reach a mature size of 15 feet tall and 5 feet wide.

As the name suggests, ‘North Pole’ is particularly well adapted to growing conditions in colder climates. Because of its moderate stature and upright growth habit, this type makes the perfect living fence line. 

Golden Globe

Thuja occidentalis ‘Golden Globe’ is a dwarf variety that can be grown in zones two through eight. It has a slow to medium growth rate but will eventually reach a mature size of four feet tall and wide.

The low and symmetrical shape of this shrub, combined with its golden-green foliage, makes it a great accent plant in your landscape. Although they tend to naturally grow in a globe shape, they will need regular pruning in order to maintain this shape over the long term. 

Korean Thuja

Thuja koraiensis is also known as Korean thuja. This variety is popular in North and South Korea as well as areas of China. Grow it in growing zones five through eight. It prefers full sun in cooler climates, but can benefit from afternoon shade in warmer climates.

Korean Thuja grows up to 30 feet tall and 15 feet wide. This variety is somewhat rare in terms of horticultural use as there isn’t a large seed stock available. But it adds a stunning blue-green evergreen backdrop to a low-maintenance landscape. 

Teddy Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis ‘Teddy’ is commonly referred to as teddy arborvitae. It can be grown in zones two through seven. This is a dwarf variety with a compact growth habit, reaching a mature height of two feet tall and one foot wide. It gets its name from the fact that the foliage is soft and feathery rather than stiff. This gives it a soft and plush appearance, like a teddy bear.

It is also well-suited to grow in containers or planters. This makes it a great choice for gardeners with small spaces that might not have room for a full-grown arborvitae hedge but still want to enjoy their evergreen beauty. 

Holmstrup

This type of Thuja occidentalis is also known as ‘Holmstrup’. It can be grown in zones three through seven. The slow growth habit makes it easy to contain with once-yearly pruning.

It has a compact growth habit and will reach a mature size of 15 feet tall and 5 feet wide. This makes it perfect for adding a hedge in a smaller landscape, like an urban backyard. 

Danica

Thuja occidentalis ‘Danica’ is a true dwarf variety. It can be grown in zones two through seven. When fully grown, it will reach a height of two feet tall and wide. This makes it a great border plant. You can also use it to line pathways through the landscape or for framing entrances.

It can even be grown in containers. When growing in containers, be sure not to let it dry out completely. Container-grown plants tend to dry out quickly, and while arborvitae do not like to be waterlogged, they also can’t stand periods of drought. 

Techny

This type of Thuja occidentalis is also known as ‘Techny’ arborvitae. It can be grown in zones two through eight. It is named after the town of Techny, Illinois.

This type grows multiple leaders, which means the top of the plant is more filled in and less pyramid-shaped than other varieties. This quality makes it a great choice for a privacy screen. It grows 15 feet tall and 10 feet wide. 

Woodward Globe

Thuja occidentalis ‘Woodwardii’ is also known as ‘Woodward Globe’. It can be grown in USDA growing zones three through seven. Yellow-green foliage and a compact, globe shape make it special.

Let it reach up to 10 feet tall and 15 feet wide, or prune it to maintain a shorter and more compact shape. Use it for a hedge along an existing fence or property line or on each side to frame an entryway. 

Weeping Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis ‘Filiformis’ is also known as weeping arborvitae. It can be grown in zones two through seven. It has a very unusual appearance due to its drooping foliage that hangs from multiple stems. At first glance, it doesn’t look like an arborvitae at all.

It will reach a mature height of eight feet tall and four feet wide. Due to its drooping growth habit, it does not make a great privacy screen or hedge. However, it is a great option for the gardener who is looking to add a unique statement piece! 

Whipcord

Thuja plicata ‘Whipcord’ is another dwarf type that also has a similar appearance to weeping arborvitae with its long and slender foliage that droops. It can be grown in zones five through seven.

It can reach a mature height of four feet tall and four feet wide, or it can be pruned to maintain a low-to-the-ground, almost ground cover, growth habit. If you like the visual appeal and uniqueness of weep arborvitae, but want it in a smaller package, then ‘Whipcord’ is the variety for you. 

Virginian

This variety of Thuja plicata x standishii is a new version of ‘Green Giant’. It grows in growing zones five through nine. ‘Virginian’ has the same speed of growth as ‘Green Giant’ but on a more compact plant. It will reach a mature height of 15 feet tall and 6 feet wide. This makes it perfect for smaller spaces.

It has similar qualities to ‘Green Giant’, except in a smaller package. You can prune it regularly to maintain a neat shape or let it grow wild and produce beautiful feathery foliage. 

Tom Thumb

Thuja occidentalis ‘Tom Thumb’ is another dwarf variety. It grows well in zones four through nine. Growing naturally into a globe shape without any pruning, it will reach a mature height of three feet tall and wide.

‘Tom Thumb’ is perfect for pots and planters. It is well suited to a range of soil types. Be sure not to let it dry out completely, especially when growing in containers.

Spiral Emerald Green

Thuja occidentalis ‘Emerald Green’ is a type of emerald green tree that is pruned into a spiral growth habit. It can be grown in zones three through eight and will reach a mature height of 15 feet tall and 3 feet wide.

It has all of the same qualities of ‘Emerald Green‘, but will the eye-catching benefit of being pruned into a spiral. You will need to maintain this spiral shape with regular pruning as this tree doesn’t grow this way naturally. 

Pancake

Thuja occidentalis ‘Concesarini’ is also known as ‘Pancake.’ It can be grown in zones four through eight. The name ‘Pancake’ comes from its unique growth habit. It stays flat and low to the ground while spreading sideways.

‘Pancake’ has a mature height of one foot tall and two feet wide. This makes it an excellent evergreen ground cover. It is exceptionally cold hardy and showcases a beautiful feathery, almost fern-like foliage. It needs full sun to produce the densest growth.