Thuja occidentalis 'Emeraude' – The Elegant, Dwarf Evergreen with Vibrant Green Foliage
Thuja occidentalis 'Emeraude' is a slow-growing, compact evergreen conifer known for its rich emerald-green foliage that retains its vibrant colour year-round. This cultivar, also called the Emerald Green Arborvitae, has a natural pyramidal shape, making it perfect for formal gardens, small hedges, or even containers. Its dense, upright form adds both structure and beauty to the garden, and it thrives in a variety of growing conditions, making it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a resilient and low-maintenance evergreen.
Why Grow Thuja occidentalis 'Emeraude'?
Compact Pyramidal Shape – 'Emeraude' maintains a natural, narrow pyramidal shape, which makes it ideal for creating small hedges, borders, or accent plants in tight spaces.
Vibrant Green Foliage – The rich, emerald-green foliage retains its colour throughout the year, creating an attractive contrast against other plants, especially in winter when most foliage has faded.
Slow Growth – This cultivar has a slow growth rate, allowing it to be used in small garden spaces or containers without the worry of it outgrowing its space.
Low Maintenance – With its tidy form, 'Emeraude' requires minimal pruning or shaping, making it an easy-care evergreen addition to your landscape.
Cold Hardy – It is highly resilient, able to withstand harsh winters, and can thrive in a variety of climates, including colder regions.
Height of Plant
Thuja occidentalis 'Emeraude' grows to a height of about 1.5–3 meters (5–10 feet) with a spread of 0.5–1 meter (1.5–3 feet), forming a neat, pyramid-shaped conifer. It is perfect for smaller garden spaces or low hedges.
Where to Site Your Thuja occidentalis 'Emeraude'
Thanks to its compact size and graceful shape, 'Emeraude' is well-suited for:
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Small hedges or privacy screens, where it provides year-round greenery without taking up too much space.
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Container planting, ideal for patios, terraces, or balcony gardens, where it adds a vertical, evergreen accent.
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Formal gardens, adding structure and elegance alongside other ornamental plants.
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Borders or entryways, where its narrow form creates a neat, welcoming entry.
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Foundation planting, providing evergreen structure near buildings or other hardscaping elements.
How to Grow and Care for Your Thuja occidentalis 'Emeraude'
Soil – Prefers well-drained, fertile soil but is adaptable to a variety of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils. It does best in slightly acidic to neutral pH.
Light – Thrives in full sun to partial shade, with full sun helping it maintain its vibrant green colour and healthy growth. It can tolerate some light shade, though its growth may be slower.
Watering – Water regularly until the plant is well-established. Once mature, 'Emeraude' is drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells to maintain its lush appearance.
Maintenance:
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Pruning – 'Emeraude' generally requires little pruning due to its naturally neat shape. Trim lightly in early spring if necessary to maintain its form.
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Feeding – Apply a slow-release fertiliser in early spring to promote healthy growth, especially in poorer soils.
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Mulching – Add a layer of mulch around the base to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the roots during winter.
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Pest & Disease Resistance – 'Emeraude' is generally resistant to most pests and diseases, though be vigilant for common conifer pests like aphids, bagworms, or scale insects. Ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot.
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Cold Hardy – Extremely hardy, tolerating temperatures as low as -30°C (USDA zones 3–7), making it suitable for colder climates.
Perfect Plant Combinations
Thuja 'Emeraude' pairs beautifully with other low-maintenance, evergreen plants like boxwood or juniper for a formal look. It also works well with flowering shrubs such as hydrangeas, roses, or spirea, where its rich green backdrop enhances the beauty of the blooms. For a contrasting effect, combine it with ornamental grasses like miscanthus or fescue, or use it in rock gardens alongside low-growing succulents or sedums.
With its compact size, elegant pyramidal form, and stunning emerald-green foliage, Thuja occidentalis 'Emeraude' is an excellent choice for small gardens, containers, or formal plantings. It provides year-round colour and structure with minimal care, making it the perfect evergreen for adding a touch of refinement and sophistication to any landscape.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.