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Growth Rate
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- Average Growth Rate: Moderate, typically growing about 6 to 12 inches per year.
- Mature Height: Reaches about 10 to 15 feet.
- Mature Width: Spreads to around 3 to 4 feet, maintaining a narrow, upright shape.
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Colorful leaves
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Flowering
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No |
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Disease resistant
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Yes |
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Cold Tolerant
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Yes |
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Heat Tolerant
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No |
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Drought Tolerant
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No |
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Deer Resistant
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Yes |
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Edible
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No |
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Wildlife Attraction
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This Arborvitae attracts various birds and beneficial insects, providing shelter and a food source through its small cones. |
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Self-pollinating
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Seasonality
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This hardy shrub maintains its vibrant color year-round, exhibiting robust growth in the spring and summer. It’s particularly striking during the winter months when its golden hues stand out against a snowy backdrop. |
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Ideal For
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Hedges, privacy screens, foundation plantings, and as a focal point in garden designs. Add the Sunny Smaragd Arborvitae to your garden for a touch of vibrant elegance! |
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Leaf Description
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The leaves are scale-like, densely packed, and bright golden-yellow, creating a soft, lush appearance. The color becomes more vibrant in full sun and retains its brightness throughout the seasons. |
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Flower Description
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- Flowering Season: Sunny Smaragd produces small, inconspicuous flowers in late spring, although its primary appeal lies in its spectacular foliage rather than its blooms.
- Flower Description: The flowers are tiny and blend into the foliage, appearing in clusters but lacking significant visual impact.
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Planting Instructions
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- Best Time to Plant: Early spring or fall.
- Planting Method: Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball, position the plant in the center, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly to settle the roots.
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Pruning & Maintenance
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Light pruning can be done to maintain shape and remove any dead or damaged branches. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. |
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Water Needs
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- Frequency: Water regularly until established, then provide weekly watering during dry spells.
- Amount: Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging.
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Light Needs
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- Sunny Smaragd thrives in full sun, ideally receiving at least 6 hours of sunlight each day to maintain its vibrant color.
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Harvesting
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Not applicable, as this plant is primarily ornamental and not harvested for any products. |
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Fertilizing
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Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to encourage healthy growth and vibrant foliage. |
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Additional Care Tips
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- Pests: Generally resistant to pests, but monitor for common issues like spider mites and bagworms.
- Diseases: Watch for root rot in overly wet conditions; ensure good drainage.
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Pollination
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Sunny Smaragd is wind-pollinated, producing small cones, but it does not require specific pollinators for reproduction. |
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Companion Plants
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Pair Thuja 'Sunny Smaragd' with plants that enhance its golden tones, contrast its texture, or complement its upright form. Perennials:- Heuchera ‘Obsidian’ or ‘Palace Purple’ – Deep burgundy foliage contrasts sharply with the yellow-gold.
- Salvia nemorosa – Spiky purple blooms offer color and pollinator interest.
- Nepeta 'Walker's Low' – Soft lavender flowers and a mounded shape balance the verticality of the thuja.
- Hosta varieties – Broad leaves add foliage contrast in partial shade.
Flowering Shrubs:- Spiraea 'Magic Carpet' or 'Goldflame' – Colorful foliage and pink flowers work well beside golden evergreens.
- Hydrangea paniculata 'Bobo' – Creamy white blooms contrast elegantly against yellow foliage.
- Berberis thunbergii 'Crimson Pygmy' – Red foliage adds bold contrast.
Grasses and Groundcovers:- Festuca glauca (Blue Fescue) – Blue tones provide cool contrast to warm golden hues.
- Carex oshimensis 'Evergold' – Graceful blades echo the golden tones with a softer texture.
- Sedum 'Angelina' – Yellow-green succulent foliage complements the color scheme and adds ground-level interest.
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