Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
The Fire Chief Arborvitae, Thuja occidentalis 'Congabe', is a terrific evergreen shrub that stays a manageable size for any yard. Great for privacy hedges or year round color. The grow in a globe shape and does not require pruning to stay that shape. The Fire Chief has bright golden spring foliage and terrific deep red color in the fall. These shrubs are also great for mass planting for amazing color all year. These shrubs do best in full sun, but can also tolerate partial shade.
Fire Chief Arborvitae Care
Fire Chief shrubs are very low maintenance and do not require pruning. It is a slow grower and is considered a dwarf. It does need watered once a week for the first year or two, especially during the hot summer months. Once established, the plant will do fine during normal dry periods. These arborvitae shrubs are both disease and deer resistant.
Fire Chief Arborvitae Spacing
If you plan to create a hedge with the Fire Chief, then plant these 4 feet apart from center. Otherwise, you should plant these 6 feet apart from center, or 2 feet apart from the widest part of the plant.
Fire Chief Arborvitae Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 5 to 8 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Part Shade to Full Sun (4+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 2-4 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 2-4 Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Mounded, Dwarf
- Water Needs
- Average
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- Bloom Time
- Grown for Foliage
- Foliage Color
- , Orange
- Foliage Description
- Bright Golden to Orange/Red
- Foliage Type
- , Evergreen
- Seasonal Interest
- , Fall Interest, Winter Interest, 3 Season Interest, 4 Season Interest
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Fire Chief™ Arborvitae
- Also Known As
- Fire Chief Arborvitae
- Botanical Name
- Thuja occidentalis 'Congabe' PP19009
- Plant Type
- Shrub
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
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We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2026 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!
