The National Arboretum’s breeding programs are recognized for developing noteworthy plant introductions for the horticulture and nursery industry, and 'Green Giant' arborvitae (Thuja standishii x plicata) is no exception. Thuja ‘Green Giant’ is tolerant of a wide variety of soils and is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 – 7. It is an exceptional landscape tree can be used as an evergreen screen, hedge, or as a single specimen. (From the U.S. National Arboretum website)
It is virtually maintenance free, as well as pest and disease-resistant, making it a superior alternative to the disease-prone Leyland cypress (x Cupressocyparis leylandii). Additionally, deer grazing does not appear to be a problem for these hardy trees—certainly a beneficial quality for our local landscape plants.
'Green Giant' arborvitae increases in height rapidly, growing 1 – 2 feet per growing season, sometimes more. A hedge row of ‘Green Giant’ was planted on the grounds of the U.S. National Arboretum in 1998. At the time of installation, the trees were 3 – 3 ½ feet tall on 6 ½ foot centers. Ten years later, the trees stand 18 – 20 feet tall and 8 feet wide. Not only have they withstood the winter snow and ice in Washington, D.C., but they have thrived despite the hot, humid, and sometimes dry Mid-Atlantic summers.
We also have Arborvitae 'Elegantissima" available, a hardy, gold-tipped arborvitae.
