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Light Needs
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Mature Height
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Mature Spread
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Growing Zones
The Green Giant Arborvitae, Thuja plicata 'Green Giant', is the fastest growing evergreen shrub that we know of. Commonly used for privacy hedges, these will typically grow 3 to 5 feet per year once established. These also do great as windbreaks, especially during harsh winters. This bush can grow in very cold conditions, up to growing zone 5. It also resists ice and snow damage. The columnar and upright habit does not require pruning. So you get a very tall plant without taking up a lot of space.
The Green Giant Arborvitae is drought tolerant, insect and disease resistant. The green color of the foliage lasts all year. So you can have beautiful shrubs (some people call these trees) year round with minimal work! These are sometimes called the Western Red Cedar as well.
Green Giant Arborvitae Care
These can grow in a wide range of soils, even in heavy clay. The plant does better in well drained soil, but it is not required. We recommend applying a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture, and protect the roots in harsh weather conditions. Fertilizing is not necessary. But if you would like to, do so with a common evergreen fertilizer in early spring.
Pruning Green Giant Arborvitae is not necessary. If you plant as a hedge, you can trim the plants once a year. It is best to do this after the final frost. These plants grow very large, so if your space cannot handle it, it is best to plant a different variety of arborvitae instead of the Green Giant and having to prune them all the time.
Green Giant Arborvitae Spacing
If growing these into a privacy hedge or wind block, plant these 5-6 feet apart, center on center. If you wish to have the shrubs grow into a pyramidal/conical form, plant the trees 14 feet apart in a row.
These plants grow very large, so do not plan on growing anything underneath of these. And be sure to not plant under power lines or too close to a home.
Green Giant Arborvitae Plant Facts
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9 |
Flower Color(s): n/a |
Bloom Period: Grown for Foliage |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Light Exposure: Full Sun |
Height: 40-60 Feet |
Spread: 12-18 Feet |
Habit: Pyramidal |
Watering: Medium |
Features: Interest Year-Round |
Scientific Name: Thuja (standish x plicata) 'Green Giant' |
Common Name: Green Giant Arborvitae |
- SKU:
- 400.0932000-1-2-tpf
Container Sizes
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.
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Quart Pot
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
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2.5 Quart
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
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#1 Pot
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
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#2 Pot
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
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#3 Pot
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
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#5 Pot
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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Best in Class Warranty
We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind.
Arrival Guarantee
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Free 1-Year Plant Warranty
All bushes, perennials & trees 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.
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Pre-Ordered Plants
Pre-ordered plants are scheduled to ship in Spring 2025. We carefully plan our shipping dates based on your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to ensure optimal planting conditions upon arrival. Want it sooner/later? Reach out, and we'll try our best to accommodate.
Estimated Spring Shipping Schedule
Estimated ship week for pre-ordered plants will ship based on growing zones as shown below.
Growing Zone | Estimated Ship Week |
---|---|
Zone 10 | March 24th |
Zone 9 | March 31st |
Zone 8 | April 7th |
Zone 7 | April 14th |
Zone 6b | April 21st |
Zone 6a | April 28th |
Zone 5b | May 5th |
Zone 5a | May 12th |
Zone 4 | May 19th |
Zone 3 | May 26th |
Note: These are only estimated ship dates. Plants may ship out later depending on weather & growing conditions of the plant.
Note: Only plants indicated as pre-order will ship as shown above. All other plants and hard goods will ship as normal.
Plants Shipping Now
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.