Landscape Shrubs
Green Giant Arborvitae
(Thuja x 'Green Giant')

The ‘Green Giant’ arborvitae was brought into the United States by the U.S. National Arboretum in 1967 from material received from Denmark. The plant exhibited exceptional landscape qualities and was therefore released to the nursery industry. For some reason the plant has been quietly rattling around until recently. In the spring of 2001 this plant was put into the University of Arkansas Plant Evaluation Program, where it has proven to be a star performer statewide. The plant grows like it is on steroids, growing 2-3’ per year. This conifer is a narrow, conical, needle evergreen that requires no shearing. The National Arboretum expects a mature height of 60’ with a width of 15’.

According to a mail-order nursery piece ‘Green Giant’ is deer resistant. Contrary to what garden catalogs may say, ‘Green Giant’ is very susceptible to bagworm. In general, it is fairly tolerant of different Arkansas soils, but you may want to be careful in very wet soils. Plant in full sun to partial shade.

This plant is a good alternative to Redtip Photinia or Leyland Cypress for a hedge or screen. ‘Green Giant’ may also be sold in the trade as ‘Giganteoides’ or ‘Spring Grove.’

• Common Name: ‘Green Giant’ Arborvitae
• Flower Color: none
• Type: needle evergreens
• Size: 45’ tall x 12’ wide
• Exposure: full sun to partial shade
• Soil: adaptable
• Watering: moist best
• When to prune: not required
• Suggested use: hedge/screen

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