Thuja Orientalis 'Van Hoey Smith'
Overall Description
Van
Hoey Smith Arborvitae is a real dandy!! Nice neat vertical sprays of
foliage are bright gold flecked with green, and a touch of
silver/white. As close as we have ever seen to a tri-colored
Arborvitae. Very pyramidal / cone shaped growth habit. Likes full sun
to achieve the best color, but will tolerate some shade. Truly a must
have for the collector, or for anyone who wants something that is way
out of the ordinary. Excellent as an accent planting, or when planted
in groups of 2 or 3.
This variety has a definite tendency to take a few seasons to really develop thicker foliage........can have a rather thin appearance for the first few years. But please be patient - they are well worth the wait!! A good, solid mulching & fertilization regimen will help to speed their development up considerably.
Plant Facts & Specifications
Mature Height: 10-12 ft
Mature Width: 4-5 ft.
Growth rate: Moderate to fast ( 8"-12" avg per yr )
Hardiness Zones: 5-8 ( if unsure of your zone, please use zone finder below )
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade - but good sun exposure is definitely preferred for best color & foliage density.
Soil Preference: Average to moist & fertile - well drained. Mulching strongly recommended.
Foliage Color & Texture: Very delicate feathery textured foliage arranged in vertical sprays - typical of most Thuja orientalis cultivars. Color is a very bright golden yellow combined with flecks of bright green. Even a small amount of creamy white can be seen mixed throughout on many specimens.
Flower, Cone, Or Berry Facts: N/A
Diseases / Insects: Bagworms and spider mites are the most common problems seen with this variety. Regular inspections are recommended to avoid any problems / infestations from escaping your attention. Try to avoid planting in any area with inadequate soil drainage - fungal & bacterial infections on the root systems can result.
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.
