Arborvitae shrubs are a popular choice for gardeners seeking reliable evergreen plants that provide year round structure and privacy. These versatile conifers range from compact dwarf varieties to tall screening trees, fitting into many landscape designs. Understanding the different types of arborvitae shrubs helps you select the right plant for your space, climate, and aesthetic goals.
The common name arborvitae covers several species and cultivars within the genus Thuja, beloved for their feathery foliage, ease of care, and adaptability. Whether you want to line a driveway, create a windbreak, or add foundation planting, there is likely an arborvitae suited to the task. This guide explores the major categories and specific types of arborvitae shrubs to support informed decisions in your garden planning.
American Arborvitae and Its Forms
American arborvitae, often referred to as eastern white cedar, is one of the most familiar types of arborvitae shrubs used in landscaping. Native to eastern North America, this species grows into a stately pyramidal tree or large shrub with dense, scale like foliage. Its rich green color and relatively fast growth make it a favorite for screens and windbreaks.
In cultivation, American arborvitae appears in numerous forms, from tall columnar selections to broader, more spreading varieties. These forms allow the species to serve different roles in the garden, from towering boundary markers to structured hedging. Selecting the right form ensures the plant complements the surrounding architecture and open space.
Columnar and Fastigiata Cultivars
Columnar cultivars of American arborvitae are prized for their narrow, upright growth, which minimizes footprint while delivering height and presence. Varieties like 'Columnaris' and 'Emerald Pillar' fit neatly along property lines or between structures where width is at a premium. Their clean lines create a formal effect that works well in contemporary and traditional settings alike.
Fastigiata forms, such as 'Fastigiata' or 'Northern Treasure', offer a similarly vertical profile but often with slightly more openness and vigor. These types of arborvitae shrubs are ideal for creating vertical accents or tight rows of screening without the bulk of standard hedging plants. Proper spacing and light exposure help them maintain their refined silhouette over time.
Dwarf and Compact Cultivars
Homeowners with limited space or those designing small gardens often seek dwarf versions of American arborvitae that provide the species' charm without overwhelming the area. Cultivars such as 'Rheingold', 'Woodward', and 'Eric Brown' stay low and slow growing, requiring minimal pruning.
These compact shrubs excel as border plants, rock garden accents, or low hedges in courtyards and urban settings. Their manageable size, combined with the species' inherent cold tolerance, makes them reliable choices for regions with harsh winters. Careful selection of a suitable dwarf form ensures long term health and aesthetic appeal.
Oriental or Korean Arborvitae Varieties
Oriental arborvitae, sometimes labeled as Korean arborvitae, represents another major group among types of arborvitae shrubs. This species, often classified as Thuja koraiensis, is native to Korea, northeastern China, and parts of Russia. It tends to be more slender in foliage and slightly more delicate in appearance than its American counterpart.
In the landscape, Oriental arborvitae contributes a feathery, layered texture that contrasts nicely with bolder evergreens. Gardeners appreciate its moderate growth rate and adaptability to partial shade, making it a flexible design element. Selecting the right placement allows this species to showcase its graceful branching and subtle color shifts across seasons.
Sunkist and Golden Variants
Among the Oriental arborvitae selections, 'Sunkist' stands out for its vibrant golden yellow new growth that softens to chartreuse in summer. This color variation brings warmth and brightness to shaded borders or entry gardens where plain green foliage might recede into the background.
Golden forms of Oriental arborvitae generally prefer some protection from intense afternoon sun, which can scorch the delicate foliage. Pairing them with deeper green companions or placing them where dappled light prevails helps maintain their vivid hue. These cultivars demonstrate how species within the same group can offer distinctly different visual effects.
Weeping and Curled Leaf Forms
Some Oriental arborvitae cultivars feature gracefully weeping branches or uniquely curled needles, adding dramatic, sculptural interest to the garden. These distinctive growth habits allow them to serve as focal points or eye catching specimens rather than uniform screening plants.
When designing with weeping or curled varieties, consider their mature size and placement relative to pathways and viewpoints. Their sculptural qualities shine when given enough space to develop naturally. These specialty forms exemplify the diversity available within the broader category of Oriental arborvitae shrubs.
Mediterranean Cypress and Related Narrow Conifers
Cypress species related to arborvitae often appear in lists of ornamental shrubs because of their columnar habits and evergreen structure. Although not true arborvitae in genus, plants sometimes marketed as Mediterranean cypress or Italian cypress share similar landscape roles with types of arborvitae shrubs.
These narrow, upright conifers provide height and vertical emphasis with relatively modest lateral spread. They work well in urban corridors, narrow planting strips, and formal avenues where space is constrained. Understanding their growth needs ensures they remain healthy and visually pleasing over the long term.
Skyrocket and Tight Spiral Cultivars
The 'Skyrocket' cultivar, commonly associated with Italian cypress, epitomizes the tall, slim evergreen screen that many gardeners seek. Its extreme vertical emphasis and tidy outline make it a striking backdrop for lower growing plants and a defining feature in linear garden designs.
Tight spiral forms, often grafted onto straight trunks, offer a more ornamental variation suitable for focal points or container displays. These sculptural shapes require protection from strong winds and careful siting to maintain their aesthetic impact. Both selections demonstrate how narrow conifers can diversify an otherwise uniform planting palette.
Cold Tolerance and Site Selection
Many Mediterranean cypress varieties are less cold hardy than true arborvitae shrubs, limiting their use in colder climates. Gardeners in regions with harsh winters may prefer selecting naturally cold tolerant arborvitae species to avoid winter burn or branch dieback.
Site selection plays a critical role in success, with well drained soil and adequate air circulation reducing the risk of disease and winter injury. Matching the plant's natural preferences to the local environment minimizes maintenance and supports robust, long term growth. Thoughtful planning pays off in consistent performance and visual satisfaction.
Selecting and Combining Different Types of Arborvitae Shrubs
Choosing among the many types of arborvitae shrubs begins with evaluating site conditions, such as available space, soil quality, sunlight, and exposure to winter winds. Matching these environmental factors to the growth habits of selected cultivars reduces stress and supports vigorous growth.
Consider also the desired aesthetic effect, whether you want uniform screening, contrasting textures, or colorful foliage highlights. Planning the mature size and spread ensures that plants will not crowd structures or compete excessively with neighboring plantings. A thoughtful approach results in a balanced, low maintenance landscape.
Exploring the diversity within the genus Thuja and related narrow conifers reveals how nuanced choices among the types of arborvitae shrubs can transform a garden over time. Observing growth patterns, color shifts, and seasonal structure allows you to refine your selections and refine your plant combinations. Thoughtful observation and gradual adjustments help your landscape evolve in harmony with your vision and site conditions.