Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’ – Elegant Evergreen for Year-Round Structure

The Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’, also known as the Emerald Green Arborvitae, is a highly decorative conifer valued for its neat, upright habit and rich, emerald-green foliage. At 80–100cm tall when supplied, this evergreen shrub is already well-established and ready to make an impact in your garden. It is particularly popular for creating elegant hedges, screens, or as a specimen plant, thanks to its dense, columnar growth and fresh colouring that holds beautifully all year round.

‘Smaragd’ is slower-growing than many other thujas, making it a low-maintenance option for gardeners who want reliable greenery without constant pruning. Its naturally tidy, narrow pyramidal form makes it perfect for smaller gardens, modern landscapes, or formal plantings where structure and style are essential.

General Information

Thuja occidentalis is native to North America and has been widely cultivated in Europe for its adaptability and ornamental qualities. The ‘Smaragd’ cultivar is particularly admired for its vivid foliage and compact growth.

• Habit: Upright, conical to columnar evergreen conifer.

• Height & spread: Ultimately reaches 3–5m tall and 1–1.5m wide over many years, though easily managed at smaller sizes with light trimming.

• Foliage: Soft, aromatic, scale-like leaves in bright emerald-green that stay vibrant all year round.

• Growth rate: Slow to moderate, averaging 15–30cm per year.

• Position: Best in full sun, though tolerates light partial shade.

• Soil: Prefers moist but well-drained soil; adapts to clay, loam, or sandy soils. Avoid very dry or waterlogged sites.

• Hardiness: Fully hardy across the UK and Ireland.

• Uses: Excellent as a specimen plant, in formal rows for hedging or screening, or in containers for patios and entrances.

Its naturally slender form and vibrant colour mean it looks impressive with minimal effort and works well in both traditional and modern planting schemes.

Care Guide

Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’ is easy to care for and rewarding, requiring only occasional attention to thrive.

Planting

• When to plant: Best planted in spring or autumn, though container-grown plants can be planted year-round.

• Depth & spacing: Plant at the same depth as in the pot; space 60–80cm apart for hedges.

• Preparation: Improve soil with compost if planting in heavy clay or poor sandy soils.

• Containers: Suitable for large pots – use loam-based compost and ensure good drainage.

Watering & Feeding

• Water well after planting and regularly during the first growing season.

• Once established, only requires watering during prolonged dry spells.

• Mulch around the base annually to conserve moisture and improve soil quality.

• Feed in spring with a balanced slow-release fertiliser to encourage healthy growth.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Minimal pruning required – its natural shape is tidy and compact.

• If desired, lightly trim in late spring or early summer to maintain a uniform shape.

• Avoid cutting into old wood, as conifers may not regrow from bare stems.

• Remove any damaged or dead foliage promptly to keep plants healthy.

Protection

• Fully hardy and wind-resistant, though best protected from drying winter winds in very exposed sites.

• Generally pest- and disease-free, making it highly reliable.

• Container plants may need extra watering in hot weather, as pots dry quickly.

Why Choose Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’ (80–100cm)?

This compact evergreen is a superb choice for gardeners who want neat, structured greenery year-round.

• Emerald foliage: Bright green colour that lasts through all seasons.

• Elegant form: Naturally narrow, conical growth requires minimal pruning.

• Low-maintenance: Slow-growing and easy to care for.

• Versatile use: Perfect for hedges, screens, specimens, or containers.

• Hardy and reliable: Thrives in a wide range of soils and conditions.

The Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’ at 80–100cm provides an instant touch of structure and colour to your garden. Whether planted as a single specimen, arranged in formal rows, or used as a low-maintenance hedge, it’s a long-lasting investment in beauty, privacy, and style

• Size
  80-100 CM C7.5

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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