Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’
Family: Cupressaceae • Pot diameter: 13 cm • Height: ~40 cm
Curves? Nope. Angles? Neither. Just a clean silhouette. 😌
‘Smaragd’ (Emerald) is a classic, narrow-conical arborvitae that holds a vivid green year-round. It draws crisp lines along entrances, beds and planters — ideal for low-to-mid hedges and a formal look without constant pruning.
Cupressaceae Evergreen Sun to part shade Easy care Slow–moderate growth
Light
☀️ Full sun
tolerates part shade; best green in sun
Water
💧 Moderate
even moisture; good drainage
Soil
🪨 Free-draining
fertile, with organic matter
Hardiness
❄️ Very hardy
wind/frost: protect when young
What makes it special
- 💎 Deep “emerald” colour that holds all year.
- 📏 Slim, pyramidal crown — perfect for elegant hedging.
- 🧱 Low maintenance; keeps shape with minimal pruning.
Best uses
- 🏡 Symmetrical pairs at entries/paths for a formal touch.
- 🧩 Rhythmic hedge rows for windbreaks/privacy.
- 🪴 Planters on balconies for vertical green without bulk.
Where to place it
Sun to light shade. Plant in fertile, well-drained soil; water regularly in year one for establishment, then deep but infrequent. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. In planters: drainage holes and shelter from harsh midday heat/drying winds.
Plants it pairs with
- Dark evergreens (Pittosporum ‘Tom Thumb’) for texture/colour contrast.
- Ornamental grasses (dwarf Miscanthus, Festuca) for movement.
- Border colour at the base (e.g., Heuchera) for seasonal interest.
Variety origin click to read
Species context: Genus Thuja — North American conifers with evergreen foliage and high resilience, ideal for structure/hedges.
Breeding focus: Thuja occidentalis selections for a tight columnar habit and stable “emerald” colouring with minimal bronzing.
‘Smaragd’ profile: Compact, narrow-conical crown; deep green year-round; minimal pruning to keep lines crisp.
Phenology: Slow–moderate growth with even height; holds density and colour even in cold.
Cultivation behaviour: Adapts to varied soils with good drainage; strongest colour in sun.
Propagation: Vegetative (cuttings) to keep form/colour true.
1) Planting: Hole 2× root width, add compost + drainage; in heavy soils, plant slightly raised.
2) Watering: More frequent in year one; later deep but infrequent. Never waterlogged.
3) Shaping: Light tidy in spring; avoid hard cuts into old wood.
💡 Tip: A 5–7 cm mulch layer reduces drought stress and keeps the green looking fresher in summer.
🤔 Did you know? ‘Smaragd’ naturally keeps a tight outline — hard pruning into old wood takes a long time to re-green.
Why you’ll love it info
- 💎 Deep emerald colour, clean lines, evergreen impact.
- 🧱 Low demands, high reliability.
- 🏡 Ideal for formal symmetry & elegant hedges.
🧠 Greenleaf for nerds — scientific tidbits nobody asked for geek
- 🌿 Slow–moderate; high shoot/branch density.
- 🧪 Wide pH tolerance with drainage; avoid standing water.
- 💨 Wind shelter for young plants during the first 1–2 years.
- 🪴 In planters, use a quality evergreen mix + drainage holes.
What light does it need? light
Sun to light shade; choose sun for richer green.
How do I water it? watering
Keep even moisture, especially in year one; never waterlogged.
Does it need pruning? pruning
Light shaping in spring. Avoid hard cuts into old wood.
What soil does it prefer? soil
Fertile, well-drained soil with organic matter. Mulch helps significantly.
© Original plant description by Greenleaf Garden Center. All rights reserved. | This text is original content. Copying is prohibited (Law 2121/1993).
🔎 Note: Due to natural plant variability, the plant you receive may differ slightly from the photo. Form, size or colouring depend on season, growing conditions and the nature of each plant.
