Description
American Arborvitae ‘Smaragd’ (Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’)
Quality: 30-40 with root ball
‘Smaragd’ is the most popular hedge arborvitae in Germany – and for good reason. Its strictly upright, slender conical growth and bright emerald green foliage (even in winter) make it a classic for the structured garden.
Climatic Properties & Site Conditions:
Very hardy (down to –25 °C), tolerates Southern German locations without issue. Strongest on fresh, well-drained soils – irrigation may be necessary in excessively dry summers. For high altitudes in the Black Forest or the Swabian Jura, use with caution in very wind-exposed locations.
Advantages: Easy to maintain, minimal pruning required for natural growth, evergreen, dense privacy effect, quickly established, affordable.
Disadvantages: Sensitive to prolonged summer drought without irrigation, not bee-friendly, arborvitae pollen is highly allergenic, more susceptible to dieback from root rot in mass plantings with waterlogging.
