Growth Rate
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- Speed : Slow to moderate; typically grows 3 to 6 inches per year.
- Final Size: 3 to 5 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide.
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Colorful leaves
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Flowering
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No |
Disease resistant
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Yes |
Cold Tolerant
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Yes |
Heat Tolerant
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No |
Drought Tolerant
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No |
Deer Resistant
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No |
Edible
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No |
Wildlife Attraction
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Attracts: - Birds: Provides shelter and nesting opportunities, making it appealing for wildlife gardens.
- Pollinators: May attract some bees, though it’s not primarily known for this.
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Self-pollinating
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Seasonality
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- Growth Season: Spring to Fall
- Winter Interest: Retains vibrant green color and structure throughout winter.
- Bloom Time: This variety is primarily appreciated for its foliage and does not produce significant flowers.
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Ideal For
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Foundation Plantings – Excellent for softening building lines and corners
Low Hedges and Borders – Forms a neat, natural hedge when planted in a row
Rock Gardens – Its compact form fits beautifully in structured plantings
Winter Interest – Dense foliage offers reliable color and form even in snow-covered gardens
Mixed Beds – Works well with flowering perennials or grasses for layered plantings
Mass Planting – Ideal for repetition and symmetry in landscape designs |
Leaf Description
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The leaves are scale-like and densely packed, presenting a rich green hue that adds texture and depth to your garden. The foliage remains vibrant year-round. |
Flower Description
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Produces inconspicuous flowers, which are not the main attraction of this plant. |
Planting Instructions
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- How to Plant: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth. Place the plant in the center, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly.
- Best Time to Plant: Early spring or fall for optimal establishment.
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Pruning & Maintenance
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- When to Prune: Late winter to early spring is ideal for shaping and removing any dead or damaged branches.
- Pruning Tips: Minimal pruning is needed; shape lightly to maintain its globe form.
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Water Needs
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- Water Requirements: Regular watering during the first year is essential; once established, it is drought-tolerant.
- Frequency: Water weekly during dry spells, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
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Light Needs
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- Prefers full sun to partial shade, thriving best with at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
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Harvesting
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While Thuja ‘Woodwardii’ is not harvested for food or flowers, it is often used in ornamental harvesting for its evergreen foliage, particularly in holiday decor and natural arrangements. |
Fertilizing
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- When to Fertilize: Early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
- Frequency: Once a year is generally sufficient.
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Additional Care Tips
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- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch in spring to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Pests & Diseases: Generally pest-resistant; occasional monitoring for scale or bagworm is recommended.
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Pollination
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- Wind-pollinated, but flowering is not significant for this variety.
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Companion Plants
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🌸 Flowering Perennials:- Heuchera ‘Amber Waves’ – Golden foliage contrasts beautifully with deep green thuja
- Echinacea ‘Cheyenne Spirit’ – Mixed-color blooms offer long-lasting interest
- Astilbe ‘Fanal’ – Feathery red plumes and shade tolerance complement Woodwardii’s form
🌾 Ornamental Grasses & Groundcovers:- Festuca glauca ‘Elijah Blue’ – Striking blue clumps for color contrast
- Sedum ‘Angelina’ – Low-growing golden succulent
- Pachysandra terminalis – Evergreen groundcover for part-shade underplanting
🌳 Evergreens & Shrubs:- Buxus (Boxwood) – Pairs well in formal or structured gardens
- Spiraea ‘Goldmound’ – Bright chartreuse foliage for color balance
- Berberis ‘Concorde’ – Deep burgundy foliage makes a bold companion choice
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