Virginian Arborvitae

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

14 Feet

Mature Spread

6 Feet

Growing Zones

5 to 8

Virginian Arborvitae delivers easy, evergreen structure for hedges, property lines, and foundations. With a naturally uniform, pyramidal habit and dense, fine-textured sprays, it builds a living screen that looks polished without constant clipping—perfect for low-fuss privacy and year-round color.

Often sold as “Baby Giant” or simply “Virginian,” this Thuja forms a sturdy, upright column that stays tidy as it matures. Use it as a single anchor near patios and entries, or plant in a staggered row to muffle street noise and frame long views with soft, cedar-scented greenery.

Virginian Arborvitae Care

Plant in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil; loam or amended clay works well as long as water doesn’t pool. Water deeply and regularly the first growing season to establish, then shift to deep, occasional soakings during hot, dry spells. Top-dress with compost and apply a slow-release, balanced evergreen fertilizer in early spring. Mulch 2–3 inches to moderate soil temperature and retain moisture, keeping mulch a few inches off the trunk.

Pruning needs are minimal: in late winter or after the spring flush, lightly shear stray shoots to maintain a clean outline—avoid cutting back into bare wood. Generally hardy in USDA Zones 5–9 and more deer-tolerant than many arborvitae selections; protect young plants where browsing pressure is high.

Virginian Arborvitae Spacing

For a fast, opaque hedge, plant 4–6 ft on center; for a more relaxed, informal screen, use 6–8 ft. As a specimen, allow an 8–10 ft diameter so the natural form can develop. Along long property lines, a staggered double row spaced 6 ft between plants and 6–7 ft between rows creates full coverage more quickly.

In large containers (24"+ diameter) for patios, place planters 4–5 ft apart to read as a continuous green wall.

Why Grow Virginian Arborvitae?

• Natural, upright form that screens quickly with little shaping

• Evergreen foliage for four-season structure and color

• Reliable performance in sun or light shade and a range of soils

• Low maintenance: mulch, spring feed, and light touch-ups

• Strong choice for hedges, wind-softening borders, and foundation accents

A compact, dependable privacy maker with a crisp, conical silhouette—Virginian Arborvitae gives you instant structure now and a handsome, lasting screen as it matures.