Hetz Midget Arborvitae

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

2 Feet

Mature Spread

2-3 Feet

Growing Zones

3 to 8

If you are looking for a dwarf evergreen shrub to add some winter interest to the garden, the Hetz Midget Arborvitae could just be perfect. Botanically named Thuja occidentalis 'Hetz Midget', this dwarf conifer forms a compact mound of green, scale-like foliage up to two feet tall. Although slow growing, it can be grown either as a specimen or in a group. Being evergreen, this small shrub will provide excellent texture and form when the rest of the garden is sleeping over the winter. 

As a member of the cypress family, the Hetz Midget Arborvitae is native to the Northeast and suitable for growing in zones 3 to 8. It can cope with dry spells but needs frequent watering until it is firmly established, which can take some time. Being fairly pollution tolerant, it is a good choice for urban gardens. Widely used by landscapers, it is excellent for providing structure, repetition and greenery. 

Hetz Midget Arborvitae Care

With the ability to tolerate most soils, Hertz Midget is an adaptable shrub, although free-draining soil is key. The Hetz Midget Arborvitae is tough and can cope with an exposed site that is either in full sun or partial shade. Although not strictly necessary, an all-purpose, slow-release fertilizer can be applied in spring to give this shrub a boost. 

The Hetz Midget Arborvitae is wonderfully low maintenance and only requires limited pruning. A light shearing can be performed in late winter, merely to help keep it to size and shape if required. When container grown, this shrub should be watered regularly during the warmer months to keep the soil moist.

Hetz Midget Arborvitae Spacing

The Hetz Midget Arborvitae will eventually reach a maximum size of 2 feet high and 2-3 feet wide. When growing Thuja occidentalis in groups, space plants around 2 to 3 feet apart to accentuate its mounding shape.