Pet Safe
easy Care
American arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Hetz Midget'
American arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Hetz Midget') is an evergreen conifer that is native to eastern North America. It has a dense, compact form that grows up to three feet in height and five feet in width, making it ideal for hedges, screens, and windbreaks. Its bright green foliage is topped with small cones and can take on a golden hue in colder climates. It is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8 and is tolerant of partial shade and drought. Its appeal lies in its slow growth, low maintenance, and easy adaptation to various conditions. As a bonus, its fragrances perfume the garden with notes of lemon, spice, and citronella.
Sunlight
Partial Shade
Water Needs
high
USDA Hardiness Zones
Zone 2Zone 3Zone 4Zone 5Zone 6Zone 7
Hardiness Map
Green areas show climates worldwide where this plant can grow.
Zone 2Zone 3Zone 4Zone 5Zone 6Zone 7
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Water Every
"7-10" days
Sun Needs
partial-shade
Growth
Moderate
Care Level
Low
Watering Schedule
Frequency
Day 1"7-10" daysDay NaN
💧 Water every "7-10" days
Seasonal Adjustments
Adjust watering frequency based on temperature, humidity, and season. Water more frequently in summer and less in winter.
Pro Tip: Check soil moisture before watering. Stick your finger 1-2 inches into the soil—if it's dry, it's time to water!
Season
Fall
Sep Oct Nov
Winter
Dec Jan Feb
Spring
Mar Apr May
Summer
Jun Jul Aug
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
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Starts Flowering
Starts Flowering
Starts Flowering
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Pruning Time
Flowering
How to Propagate
Greenwood Cuttings
Take 4-6" cuttings in spring, root in water or moist soil
Greenwood Cuttings
Take 4-6" cuttings in spring, root in water or moist soil
Hardwood Cuttings
Take 4-6" cuttings in spring, root in water or moist soil
Plant Characteristics
Drought Tolerant
Is This Plant Right for You?
Good For:
- •Beginners
- •Forgetful waterers
- •Homes with pets
- •Low-maintenance gardens
Consider Carefully:
- •Indoor growing
Bloom Seasons
spring
Care Tips
Light Requirements
Enjoys dappled or limited direct sun—about 2–4 hours of morning or late afternoon light and protection during peak midday sun.
Watering
Requires frequent watering to maintain moist soil. Don't let the soil dry out completely.
Best Planting Time
Plant in early spring or fall for best results. Blooms in spring.