Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Eastern Arborvitae, Featured Plant of The Day

Thuja occidentalis 'Brandon'
Eastern Arborvitae, American Arborvitae, Siberian Arborvitae, Northern White Cedar,
White Cedar

Type Tree, woody plant
Hardy range 3A to 7B
Height 12' to 20' / 3.60m to 6.00m
Spread 4' to 6' / 1.20m to 1.80m
Growth rate Slow
Form Columnar and oval
Exposure Partial shade or partial sun to full sun
Persistence Evergreen
Bloom Color Yellow
Bloom Time Spring

Environment This plant tolerates some drought, flooding and a little salt.
This plant will grow in dry to wet or submerged soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy, sandy or clay.
The pH preference is an acidic to alkaline (less than 6.8 to more than 7.7) soil.

Leaf Color Green
Fall Color No change in fall color

Culture Notes Transplanting is moderately easy if plants are root-pruned and either balled and burlapped or potted. White-Cedar likes high humidity and tolerates wet soils and some drought, but not salt exposure of any kind. Many of the natural stands in the United States have been cut. Some remain in isolated areas along rivers throughout the East.
Foliage resists winter browning, turning a dark green with the onset of cold weather Plants often have one central trunk.
Maintain adequate mulch area Be sure to clear all turf away from beneath the branches and mulch to the drip line (the edge of the branches), especially on young trees, to reduce competition with turf and weeds. This will allow roots to become well established and keep plants healthier. Locate the tree properly, taking into account the ultimate size, since the tree looks best if it is not pruned to control size. The tree can enhance any landscape with its delightful spring flush of foliage. It can be the centerpiece of your landscape if properly located.