| Thuja orientalis 'Compacta'
Overall Description
This arborvitae takes on a somewhat pyramidal shape as it matures, and makes a nice formal planting. Has bluish green foliage whose tips turn a plum purple in the winter months. Moderate growth, and very hardy - making it a great selection for many landscapes. Loves full sun, but will accept partial shade as well. Handles a wide variety of soil conditions, but prefers any soil that drains well. Eventually produces bluish white "cones", which turn brown as they ripen in fall & winter. Makes a great mid sized privacy screen or border planting due to its hardiness, and thick foliage as it matures.
Plant facts & Specification
Mature Height: 8-12 ft
Mature Width: 4-7 ft
Growth rate: Moderate ( 6"-12" avg per year )
Hardiness Zones: 5-9
Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Soil Preference: Average to slightly sandy - well drained
Foliage Color & Texture: Good classic Oriental Arborvitae foliage - upright, vertical sprays of bright green, fanlike foliage. Slight bluish tint during the growing season, taking on purplish / plum colored tips during winter months.
Flower, Cone, or Berry Facts: Produces whitish blue cones that eventually ripen to a mahogany brown color. Cones are between 1/2"- 3/4" in size, and are not as numerous on this cultivar as they are in many other Thuja orientalis varieties.
Diseases / Insects: Bagworms, spider mites, and canker ( seiridium spp. ) are the only real threats to this variety.....and are actually very seldom seen.
Fertilization / Feeding: Either water soluble ( Miracle Gro, or equivalent ), or granular ( Holly Tone is excellent ). Other granular types with 6-12-12, or 10-10-10 ratio is acceptable. Best to fertilize in early spring, and again in mid fall - avoid feeding during hot summer months, and directly after transplanting.
VERY NICE FOLIAGE COLOR !!! |
