Growing Information

Growing zone guide
Growing Zone Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8
Sunlight Bright light to partial shade
Type of Soil Slightly acidic to neutral
Mature Height 12-18 inches
Maintenance Level Low maintenance
Water Requirement Moderate watering (once a week)

Learn more about this plant

Additional Information
Growth Rate
  • Growth Rate: Slow-growing.
  • Mature Size: Reaches 12–18 inches in height and spreads 3–4 feet wide.

Colorful Leaves Yes
Flowering No
Bloom Color N/A
Ornamental Berries N/A
Disease resistant Yes
Cold Tolerant Yes
Heat Tolerant No
Drought Tolerant No
Deer Resistant No
Edible No
Wildlife Attraction

This shrub provides excellent shelter for small birds and wildlife, offering protection throughout the seasons. However, it does not produce berries or flowers that attract pollinators.

Self-pollinating Self-pollinating
Seasonality

Pancake Arborvitae is an evergreen plant that retains its foliage year-round. It does not produce noticeable flowers but may develop small, inconspicuous cones over time.

Ideal For

Rock gardens, groundcover, borders, foundation plantings, low-maintenance landscapes.

Leaf Description

The foliage of 'Pancake' consists of soft, scale-like leaves with a blue-green hue in spring and summer. During colder months, it may take on a bronze tint, adding seasonal interest.

Flower Description

This variety does not produce significant flowers, as its primary appeal is its evergreen foliage.

Pruning & Maintenance
  • Minimal pruning required.
  • Trim lightly in early spring if necessary to maintain shape.
Water Needs
  • New Plants: Water regularly to establish roots.
  • Established Plants: Drought-tolerant once mature but prefers consistent moisture in well-drained soil.
Light Needs

Prefers full sun to partial shade, with the best foliage color developing in areas with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight.

Harvesting

While it’s not harvested for edible or floral purposes, its foliage can be selectively gathered for decorative and craft use.

Fertilizing
  • Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring for optimal growth.
  • Avoid excessive fertilization, as it can lead to weak, leggy growth.

Additional Care Tips
  • Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
  • Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  • Spacing: Space plants 3–4 feet apart to allow for spreading growth.
  • Pest Resistance: Generally resistant to most pests and diseases, but good air circulation helps prevent fungal issues.
Pollination

Thuja occidentalis 'Pancake' does not require pollination, as it does not produce flowers or fruit requiring pollinators.

Companion Plants
  • Dwarf Conifers – Pair with other low-growing evergreens like Juniperus ‘Blue Star’.
  • Perennials – Works well with sedums, hostas, or ornamental grasses.
  • Rock Garden Plants – Complements creeping phlox and thyme.
  • Ground Covers – Can be planted alongside low-growing spreading plants like vinca or ajuga.

Flowering and Seasonality

Pancake Arborvitae is an evergreen plant that retains its foliage year-round. It does not produce noticeable flowers but may develop small, inconspicuous cones over time.

This variety does not produce significant flowers, as its primary appeal is its evergreen foliage.

Pet Friendly

Yes

Growing Zone
  • Zone 3
  • Zone 4
  • Zone 5
  • Zone 6
  • Zone 7
  • Zone 8

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