Whip It Good™ Arborvitae

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

10-15 Feet

Mature Spread

3-5 Feet

Growing Zones

3 to 7

Whip It Good® Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘RutThu2’) brings a completely different texture to the evergreen palette. Instead of flat sprays, it forms a dense globe of long, thread-like green foliage that moves slightly with the wind and softens hard lines in the landscape. Mature plants reach 3 to 5 feet tall and wide, creating a rounded presence that holds its shape without constant trimming. Compared to older threadleaf types, this selection is fuller and more uniform, with better garden performance. We’ve planted it near stone borders and entryways, where its fine texture contrasts beautifully with brick and gravel.

This cultivar comes from a North American native species known for cold hardiness and adaptability. It remains evergreen year-round, providing winter structure in Zones 3 through 7. The naturally mounded habit makes it useful as a low hedge, foundation shrub, or specimen in mixed borders. It tolerates clay soils and urban conditions and is generally low maintenance once established. Use it in mass plantings for a modern textural effect, or in large containers where its rounded form anchors seasonal plantings.

Whip It Good® Arborvitae Care

Plant in full sun to part sun; at least four to six hours of direct light daily promotes dense growth. This arborvitae grows best in well-drained soil that stays moderately moist, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH around 6.0 to 7.0, but it adapts to clay and alkaline soils if drainage is adequate. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. After establishment, it tolerates short dry periods, though consistent moisture supports best color and density. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer for woody plants in early spring if soil fertility is low.

Pruning is rarely required since the plant naturally forms a tight globe. If shaping is desired, lightly trim soft new growth in late spring or early summer. Avoid cutting into old wood, as arborvitae does not readily regenerate from bare stems. In colder climates, water deeply in late fall before the ground freezes to reduce winter browning.

Whip It Good® Arborvitae Spacing

Space plants 3 to 5 feet apart when planting as a hedge or in mass so each globe can develop fully. For a looser border design, at least 5 feet between shrubs. In containers, use a pot at least 22 to 24 inches wide and equally deep to support the root system. Treat it as the structural anchor and underplant with shallow-rooted, cool-season companions such as creeping thyme, hardy pansies, trailing ivy, or seasonal ornamental cabbage.

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