NJNLA PLANT OF THE MONTH - November

Thuja plicata
Giant or Western Arborvitae
Contributed by Keith MacIndoe, Johnson Farms, Deerfield, NJ

The Giant Arborvitae is what landscapers of the 21st century should be planting. With a range of zone 4 to 8 it is well suited for the rigors of the Boston winters to the extremes of the Georgia summers. The evergreen will grow to a height of 75 feet and a spread of 20 feet it can be used as a specimen or a screen. It will tolerate most any site,dry to moist, sun to part shade. A fast growing arborvitae which unlike most arborvitae, that grow multiple leaders, plicata grows a central leader which is a good reason to plant where there is heavy snow loads. Finally, with all the talk of deer resistant plants, this is one arborvitae that will not be devoured by those pesky deer. The problem with production of these plants is the fact that since they grow so fast the plant looks wispy at a young age. Usually the plant does not look full until it reaches a height of 8'.

There have been several varities gaining acceptance in the nursery industry. The following are a few which can be found in nurseries within New Jersey.
Atrovirens - large variety, good for hedges, some browning in winter.

Excelsa - very hardy, somewhat open growing.

Green Giant - somewhat smaller 50', very fast growing.

Virescens - large variety, good green winter color, not as wide at base as other varities.