
Light Needs

Mature Height

Mature Spread

Growing Zones
Easy to grow and requiring next to no annual pruning, Sugar and Spice Arborvitae is a great choice for hedging on narrow urban lots. The solid green foliage and narrow vertical shape make Thuja plicata ‘Sugar and Spice’™ a versatile choice for small gardens or an existing hedge plan. The cinnamon-colored stems and dense, ferny foliage stand up to hot and humid weather while providing year-round color and interest.
Arborvitaes are exceptionally resistant to all of the most disliked pests in the garden. Deer and rabbits do not like to browse on the scented and tough foliage. Diseases are rarely an issue when this shrub is planted in ideal conditions and not overfertilized. Place this upright grower in any spot that needs a backdrop of green or a contrast in foliage shape or size.
Sugar and Spice Arborvitae Care
Plant Sugar and Spice in well-draining soil and full sun, although arborvitaes will tolerate partial shade better than many other evergreen trees. This evergreen grows well in average garden soil. Water consistently for the first season or two until the shrubs are well established. Mulch annually with shredded leaves, arborist chips, or other organic material to aid in moisture retention and help suppress weeds during the growing season.
Sugar and Spice develops a naturally attractive shape and does not require regular pruning. The dense foliage covers the trunk from top to bottom, leaving no awkward gaps. Container-grown arborvitaes require fertilizing with a slow-release feed once a year in the early spring. Choose a balanced formula to support even growth and a strong root system.
Sugar and Spice Arborvitae Spacing
Plant each arborvitae 30 inches apart to create a dense hedge. Space plants up to 4 feet apart when planting as a specimen in a garden border. This spacing will provide good air circulation and room for a healthy root system. Sugar and Spice grows well for many years in a container with at least a 20-gallon capacity or a 20-inch diameter.
Sugar and Spice Arborvitae Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 - 8 |
Plant Type: |
Light Exposure: Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 9 - 15 Feet |
Mature Spread: 2 - 3 Feet |
Spacing: 2 -3 Feet |
Habit: Columnar, Upright |
Flower Color(s): None |
Flower Description: |
Bloom Period: |
Foliage Type: Evergreen |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: Green Shades |
Seasonal Interest: Winter Interest, 4 Season Interest |
Watering: Average |
Resists: N/A |
Tolerates: N/A |
Attracts: N/A |
Container Role: |
Uses: Hedges & Privacy |
Features: Foliage Interest |
Brand: |
Common Name: Sugar and Spice Arborvitae |
Other Name(s): Derakt |
Scientific Name: Thuja plicata Sugar and Spice™ |
- SKU:
- 1231015206-pc
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.

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

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

#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

#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

#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

#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

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.

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.