Arborvitae 'Emerald Green'

Arborvitae 'Emerald Green'

A Southern Classic of Grace, Structure, and Steadfast Beauty

Here at Wright’s Market, nestled in our 1938 cottage where the floors creak with history and the garden hums with stories, we have a deep appreciation for plants that stand the test of time. Arborvitae 'Emerald Green' is one of those quiet, dependable favorites—neatly shaped, always dignified, and as loyal as a childhood friend. It brings timeless elegance to the landscape without asking for much in return.

A Glimpse into History:

Arborvitae (Latin for “tree of life”) traces its roots back to North America and parts of eastern Asia, where it was revered by Indigenous peoples and early settlers alike for its evergreen foliage, medicinal uses, and durability. The cultivar ‘Emerald Green’ (or Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’) was developed in Denmark in the 1950s and quickly made its way into Southern gardens as a beloved choice for privacy hedges, foundation accents, and formal borders.

Its tight, pyramidal shape and vibrant emerald foliage give it year-round beauty—and a little formality that never feels stuffy.

Where It Grows Best:

This arborvitae loves the mild winters and warm summers of the South, performing beautifully in USDA zones 4–8 (and thriving especially well in zones 7–8 around our region).

• Light: Prefers full sun but can tolerate light shade

• Soil: Well-drained, moderately moist soils are best

• Size: Grows 10–15 feet tall and 3–4 feet wide, naturally forming a tall, narrow column

It’s perfect for:

• Privacy screens and living fences

• Framing entrances or garden gates

• Adding vertical height to cottage-style garden beds

• Evergreen backdrops for seasonal flowers and shrubs

What It Means:

In the garden, ‘Emerald Green’ Arborvitae stands for faithfulness, protection, and quiet strength. With its tidy shape and evergreen presence, it’s like the steady people in our lives—the ones who show up, stand tall, and quietly hold things together behind the scenes.

It’s a symbol of lasting love and dependable grace—things that, around here, matter more than ever.

Blooming Season:

While not known for flowers, arborvitae does produce tiny, inconspicuous cones in the fall. But the real beauty is in its lush, fan-shaped foliage—soft to the touch, rich in color, and a consistent green that never fades, even in winter.

Its columnar silhouette adds a touch of formal beauty to even the most laid-back Southern garden.

Care Instructions:

Like any good Southern neighbor, this plant doesn’t need much fuss—just a little care now and then:

• Water: Keep moist the first year while roots establish; drought-tolerant once mature

• Mulch: Helps retain moisture and keep roots cool in hot summers

• Pruning: Rarely needed—may be lightly shaped in early spring if desired

• Spacing: Plant 3 to 4 feet apart for a dense screen

It’s deer-resistant, cold-hardy, and thrives with minimal care, making it a favorite for busy gardeners who still want beauty that lasts all year long.

Complimentary Plant Material:

Pair ‘Emerald Green’ with:

• Hydrangeas or Gardenias for soft, seasonal contrast

• Loropetalum or Abelia ‘Miss Lemon’ for color and texture

• Boxwoods, Dwarf Hollies, or Wheeler’s Dwarf Pittosporum for layered evergreen structure

• Perennials like Salvia, Coneflower, or Daylilies to bring color to the base

• Miscanthus 'Adagio' or Carex ‘Everest’ to soften its upright form

It also works beautifully as a backdrop to flowering shrubs, making your seasonal blooms pop against its year-round green.

Timeless and True

Whether you're tucking it into a formal row or giving it a place of honor near your porch, Arborvitae 'Emerald Green' is a plant that brings calm, character, and classic beauty to the Southern garden. It’s steadfast, low-maintenance, and never goes out of style—just like the traditions we cherish most.

At Wright’s Market, we believe every garden should have at least one plant that reminds you: strength can be soft, and beauty can be simple.