- USDA Hardiness Zones 5 - 9
- Height 40 - 60 Feet
- Spread 12 - 18 Feet
- Full Sun
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:
- GRGIARB
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.
For more detailed information, please click here.
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Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.