Thuja Orientalis 'Nana'
Overall Description
This
arborvitae takes on a somewhat pyramidal shape as it matures, and makes
a nice formal planting. Orientalis nana is a smaller, more compact
version of the original Oriental Arborvitae - reminds us of a Berckmans
Gold with blue-green coloration instead of the golden yellow. Has very
dense, 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.
Plant Facts & Specifications
Mature Height: up to 6ft
Mature Width: 3-5 ft.
Growth rate: Moderate ( 6"-8" avg per yr )
Hardiness Zones: 5-9 ( if unsure of your zone, please use zone finder below )
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Preference: Average to slightly sandy - well drained / but will adapt to a fairly wide range of soils.
Foliage Color & Texture: Nice dense foliage is fanlike and held in vertical sprays which is typical of most all Thuja orientalis cultivars. Color is a nice green with hints of blue undertones. Does turn a bronze / plum color with the onset of cold weather.
Flower, Cone, Or Berry Facts: Cones
are 1/2" to 3/4" in size, and start out as a bluish white color,
eventually ripening to a mahogany brown. Cones contain wingless seeds. Cones generally begin appearing after about 4-5 yrs of age, and vary in amount from year to year.
Diseases / Insects: Bagworms, spider mites, and canker ( Seiridium spp. ) are the most common problems seen with this variety. Inspect plants once or twice yearly to check for any signs of possible problems.
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.
