Last updated on December 26th, 2024 at 11:30 am
The Arborvitae tree is a beautiful lime green conifer tree. Pictured above is the Golden Dwarf Arborvitae a compact dwarf evergreen shrub. With a pointed globe that rarely needs pruning.
It is a bright golden yellow foliage that develops into a rich bronze color in winter. Plant them in pairs or groups in borders, informal rows excellent choice for a border wall to block neighbors or street traffic views.
It can take full sun or partial shade. It will grow to about 8-10 ft. tall and about 5 ft. wide. You can use this tree as a background evergreen and place smaller flowering perennials or annuals in front.
Facts: Fast-growing and drought tolerant once they become well established. Very little maintenance or pruning. Use them to block a neighbor’s view. Use them for a windscreen. The Arborvitae trees are native to eastern Asia and North America.
Problems: They are susceptible to spider mites in dry hot climates.
Growth Rate: Fast – up to 2 ft. per year in the right conditions.
Low maintenance and drought tolerant once established.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 6 – 9 (Check your garden zone).
The Arborvitae tree
Morgan Chinese Arborvitae
Morgan Chinese Arborvitae – This Arborvitae will only grow to about 8 ft. tall and about 3 ft. wide. Great for a small compact hedge. It is considered a dwarf variety and grows upright and into a pear shape. Easy care and great for that small hedge in your back or front yard. Drought tolerant and can be used in a Xeriscape landscape. Plant them in a formal row for great landscape design. Like most Arborvitae is slow-growing.
The three Arborvitae trees mentioned in this post will do well throughout the Southwest. There are lots of Arborvitae that do well in and around the southwest region. Check out Monrovia’s page for many more types.
Care of the Arborvitae Tree
Arborvitae trees are low-maintenance, but they’ll thrive with the right care. Water deeply, especially in dry spells, to keep the roots moist. Avoid overwatering—soggy roots can lead to disease. Use a mulch layer around the base to lock in moisture and regulate soil temperature. Prune in early spring to shape the tree and remove dead branches. Fertilize once in spring, summer, and once more in fall. Use a well balanced, slow-release formula. Keep an eye out for browning or pests, and handle issues quickly to keep your tree healthy.
The Texas Sage Bush will go well in a desert or Southwest-type landscape.
Check out our Juniper plants for the Southwest
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