Thuja occidentalis 'Degroot's Spire' – 'Degroot's Spire' Arborvitae

The 'Degroot's Spire' Arborvitae is a conifer with an exceptionally narrow and elegant habit, making it a perfect solution for gardens where space is limited. This slow-growing variety develops a very defined, spire-like silhouette and a unique textured foliage. It brings a striking verticality to any landscape, whether as a specimen, in a group, or to form a thin privacy hedge.

Characteristics

• Foliage: It displays rich green evergreen foliage, composed of scales arranged in flat, slightly twisted sprays. This unique structure gives it a fine and distinctive texture. When crushed, the foliage releases a fruity, citrusy fragrance. It may take on a bronze or yellowish-brown hue in winter.
• Flowering: As with most conifers, its flowering is insignificant.
• Light: It thrives in full sun and partial shade, requiring 4 to 6 hours of sun daily. In hot climates, it appreciates some protection from the scorching afternoon sun.
• Habit: It develops a naturally very narrow, columnar, and pyramidal (fastigiate) habit. Its slender silhouette is one of its greatest assets.
• Growth: Slow. Over a period of 15 to 20 years, it reaches a height of 4.5 to 6 m (15-20 feet) with a spread of only 1.2 to 1.5 m (4-5 feet).
• Moisture: It prefers average and consistent moisture conditions.
• Soil: It adapts to a wide range of soils, including clay, but prefers moist, well-drained loams with a neutral to alkaline pH. It does not tolerate drought.
• Hardiness: Very hardy, it faces Zone 3 winters. However, it is best to plant it in a site sheltered from drying winter winds.
• Watering: It requires regular watering to keep the soil moist, especially during the first season and during periods of high heat. It does not tolerate standing water.
• Resistance: It handles air pollution and the proximity of black walnut trees well. However, it is susceptible to damage from the weight of snow or ice.

Uses

• Types of Use: It is the quintessential choice for creating a vertical accent, a thin hedge, or a privacy screen in narrow spaces, for example between two buildings. It also integrates very well into borders, rock gardens, or foundation plantings.
• Ornamental Features: Its architectural, slender silhouette offers permanent structure to the garden. Its unique texture and dense foliage create a point of visual interest all year round.

Care

• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer in the spring to optimize its growth.
• Pruning: It tolerates shearing very well and can be pruned to maintain a very clean shape. Perform any pruning in early spring, before new growth appears.
• Planting: Choose a location protected from strong winds. Applying mulch at its base helps retain soil moisture. Note: The foliage may cause skin irritation in some people; wearing gloves is recommended when handling.