Thuja 'Junior Giant' Arborvitae

Thuja 'Junior Giant' is a coniferous evergreen tree offering year-round interest. Offspring of the famous 'Green Giant', 'Junior Giant' is smaller, both in height and width, and has a slower, denser growth habit of smaller, darker green leaves than its ever-popular parent. It requires less pruning to maintain its natural pyramidal form than its parent but will live just as long, up to 40 years—an excellent investment.

A hybrid Thuja (T. plicata x T. standishii), commonly called arborvitae, which is considered America's most distinguished landscape plant, 'Junior Giant' has a slow growth rate and a conical habit of feathery foliage that releases a pleasant evergreen fragrance when crushed. Reaching a mature size of 15 to 20 feet tall, 'Junior Giant' makes a great specimen plant, especially in small urban gardens, but is shown to best effect when massed or grouped in mixed beds, hedges, or privacy screens that add a bit of formal structure to the garden.

Easy to grow and maintain, 'Junior Giant' grows best in locations with full sun and average, moist, well-draining soils. It tolerates shade and a wide range of soils but is intolerant of dry conditions and should be watered regularly in extreme heat. To help keep soil moist and cool, add a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch. Although little to no pruning is required, any desired pruning should be done in spring, after the new growth has begun to flush out. Avoid cutting into any thick or old stems.

Thuja offer good resistance to deer, yet no species is entirely deer-proof. Keep an eye on young trees and safeguard them when food is limited.