Thuja plicata 'Green Giant'

Thuja 'Green Giant' provides excellent shelter for birds and small animals due to its dense, evergreen foliage. While it is not a primary food source, its tall, sturdy form offers protection from the elements, making it a favored nesting site for some bird species.

As an evergreen, Thuja 'Green Giant' provides year-round interest with its dense, rich green foliage that retains its vibrant color through all seasons, even in the harsh winter months.

• Tall Privacy Screens & Windbreaks – Grows quickly (3–5 ft/year), forming a solid barrier within a few years
  
• Sound & Visual Buffering – Excellent for roadways or between properties
  
• Specimen Tree – When planted singly, makes a striking focal evergreen
  
• Backdrops & Borders – Adds vertical structure to mixed shrub beds
  
• Winter Structure – Maintains dense foliage and vibrant green color all year
  
  

Thuja 'Green Giant' has soft, scale-like foliage that remains a deep green throughout the year. The leaves are densely packed along the branches, forming a lush, feathery texture. In colder climates, the foliage may take on a slight bronze tint during the winter.

• Flowering Season: 'Green Giant' is not typically grown for its flowers. It does produce small, inconspicuous cones in the spring, but these are not considered ornamental.
• Flower Description: The plant's flowers are small, nondescript cones that are green when young and mature into brown, papery cones. They are not visually significant and are often overlooked.

• When to Plant: Plant in the spring or fall to allow the plant to establish before extreme temperatures.
• How to Plant: Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball. Make sure the top of the root ball is level with the ground. Fill the hole with soil and water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets.

Thuja 'Green Giant' requires minimal pruning, though it can be trimmed to maintain a specific height or shape. Light pruning can be done in early spring or late summer. Avoid heavy pruning, as the plant can be slow to recover from deep cuts into older wood.

'Green Giant' prefers consistent moisture, especially during the first year after planting. Water deeply once a week during dry periods, and increase the frequency in very hot or dry climates. Once established, it becomes fairly drought-tolerant.

This plant thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It needs at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and dense foliage.

There is no specific harvesting needed for this plant, as it is primarily grown for its foliage and form rather than flowers or fruit.

Fertilize once a year in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. This will help support healthy growth and vibrant foliage. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can cause excessive growth spurts that may be difficult to manage.

• Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture, reduce competition from weeds, and protect the roots from temperature fluctuations.
• Soil: 'Green Giant' prefers well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soils but is adaptable to a variety of soil types, including clay and sandy soils.
• Disease Resistance: This cultivar is highly resistant to many common pests and diseases that affect other evergreens, such as deer browsing and root rot, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners.

Pollination is not a concern for Thuja 'Green Giant.' It produces small cones, but these do not impact the plant's health or growth, and cross-pollination is not required.

🌾 Ornamental Grasses & Groundcovers:

• Panicum virgatum ‘Shenandoah’ – Red-tipped grass adds texture and fall interest
  
• Carex ‘Evergold’ – Fine-leaved groundcover that brightens shaded areas
  
• Liriope muscari – Grass-like foliage and purple spikes for base planting
  

🌸 Flowering Shrubs & Perennials:

• Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’ – Cone-shaped blooms stand out against the green backdrop
  
• Rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’ – Bright yellow flowers contrast beautifully in summer
  
• Heuchera ‘Caramel’ or ‘Obsidian’ – Colorful foliage adds richness and texture
  

🌿 Structural Evergreens & Shrubs:

• Buxus (Boxwood) – Compact form balances Green Giant’s size in formal settings
  
• Spiraea ‘Little Princess’ – Offers soft pink blooms and tidy form
  
• Ilex glabra (Inkberry Holly) – Broadleaf evergreen that thrives in similar soils