Fire Chief Arborvitae - Holiday

Light Needs

Partial Shade to Full Sun

(At Least 3 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

2-4 Feet

Mature Spread

2-4 Feet

Growing Zones

5 to 8

• Zones 5 - 8
• Height 3 - 5 Feet
• Spread 3 - 4 Feet
• Partial Shade to Full Sun

Fire Chief Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Congabe’) stands out with its showy, changing foliage: fresh yellow-green in spring, developing coppery accents in summer, and intensifying into fiery red during colder months. It grows slowly to a rounded form of around 3 to 5 feet, making it perfect for tight spaces or as an eye-catching accent. The compact, globe-like habit stays neat without much pruning, and its evergreen nature keeps your landscape lively all year. Known for cold hardiness and low upkeep, it suits everything from container gardens to mixed borders.

A living Fire Chief Arborvitae offers many upsides over artificial décor. It can adorn your indoor space throughout the holiday season, radiating natural color and a pleasing evergreen scent. There’s no plastic waste, and when winter draws to a close, you can move this diminutive showstopper outdoors instead of discarding it. That means more value and an ongoing source of garden interest far beyond the holidays.

Holiday Fire Chief Arborvitae Care

From January to early spring, position your arborvitae near a window where it can get several hours of indirect sun each day. Water moderately, allowing the top inch of soil to dry slightly before re-watering. If indoor air is extremely dry, consider a humidifier or light misting to prevent needle browning.

Once frost danger passes, gradually accustom the shrub to outdoor conditions by placing it outside a few hours a day. Then, plant your Fire Chief Arborvitae in well-drained soil that receives at least half a day of sun, ideally with some protection from scorching afternoon rays. Space additional plants about 2 to 4 feet apart if forming a low hedge. With regular watering and occasional light fertilizing, this globe-shaped evergreen will continue delighting you all year long.