Botanical Name: Thuja 'Green Giant'
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Common Name: Green Giant Arborvitae  
Plant photo of: Thuja 'Green Giant'
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Water Saving Tip:

Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Tree, Conifer

 

Height Range

25-40', 40-60'

 

Flower Color

n/a

 

Flower Season

n/a

 

Leaf Color

Green, Dark Green

 

Bark Color

Brown, Red

 

Fruit Color

Brown

 

Fruit Season

Fall, Persistent

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Low, Medium, Extra in Summer

 

Growth Rate

Fast, Moderate

 

Soil Type

Clay, Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Well-drained, Moist

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Formal, Japanese, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish

 

Accenting Features

Fragrance, Specimen

 

Seasonal Interest

Winter

 

Location Uses

Background, Shrub Border, Foundation, Walls / Fences

 

Special Uses

Hedge, Screen, Mass Planting, Wind Break, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer:

  • Description

  • Notes

‘Green Giant’ is a moderately-fast growing arborvitae hybrid (T. plicata x T. standishii) that is often promoted as a disease-free substitute for Leland cypress. Trees may grow to 40 to 60 feet tall and 12 to 18 feet wide, with a dense, narrow, pyramidal habit, but can be easily kept more compact by pruning for screens or hedges. In the proper environment, trees can grow up to3 to 4 feet per year. Horizontal to slightly upright branching with sprays of aromatic, scale-like, dark green foliage. Foliage does not yellow in winter. Small, upright, light brown seed cones (to 1/2-inch long).
Best grown in fertile, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade in an area that receives regular watering. Tolerates somewhat wide range of soils and some dry conditions once established. Appreciates some light afternoon shade in our hot summer climate. For screens, plant trees 5 to 6 feet apart.