Arborvitae ‘Fire Chief’

Arborvitae ‘Fire Chief’
A timeless spark for your Southern garden

At Wrights Market, we believe every plant has a story—and the ‘Fire Chief’ Arborvitae brings a tale of warmth, resilience, and year-round beauty to the garden, just like the neighbors who gather on porches and pass down family recipes through generations.

This dwarf evergreen shrub traces its roots to the rich horticultural heritage of the American nursery trade, discovered as a sport of the well-loved ‘Rheingold’ Arborvitae. With its finely textured, feathery foliage, ‘Fire Chief’ lights up the landscape—starting in spring with soft golden-green hues that deepen to a rich chartreuse through summer, then finishing the year with a fire-kissed red-orange blush in fall and winter.

Where it grows best:
This compact beauty is right at home in zones 5–8, where Southern sunshine and well-drained soil help it thrive. It’s perfect for foundation plantings, walkways, cottage gardens, or as a formal accent in more structured beds. Grows to about 3–4 feet tall and wide, making it an easy choice for small spaces or low hedges.

What it means:
In the language of plants, arborvitae—Latin for “tree of life”—symbolizes protection, longevity, and peace, making ‘Fire Chief’ a meaningful gift for new beginnings, memorial gardens, or simply as a reminder of the enduring warmth of home.

Bloom time:
While not a flowering shrub, its ever-changing foliage offers color and texture all year long, stealing the show without ever needing a bloom.

Care instructions:

• Sunlight: Full sun to light shade

• Soil: Well-draining, average garden soil

• Water: Moderate; water regularly in the first season until established

• Pruning: Minimal—naturally globe-shaped and tidy

Once established, ‘Fire Chief’ is low-maintenance and deer-resistant, with a strong constitution that doesn’t fuss.

Pairs beautifully with:
Layer ‘Fire Chief’ with soft lavender, salvia, or Russian sage to highlight its glow. In shaded spots, pair with hostas or heucheras in burgundy tones. For seasonal contrast, nestle it near hydrangeas, coneflowers, or soft pink camellias for a look as welcoming as a glass of sweet tea on a warm afternoon.