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How to Grow Elegantissima Arborvitae

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Elegantissima Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis 'Elegantissima'

tree

Elegantissima arborvitae is a narrow, columnar evergreen conifer prized for its fine-textured, feathery foliage that displays golden-yellow new growth in spring, maturing to soft green. This slow-growing cultivar reaches 20-25 feet tall and 3-5 feet wide, making it ideal for narrow spaces, screens, and formal plantings. Its elegant upright form and year-round color interest make it a popular choice for landscape design.

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Example Elegantissima Arborvitae timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Elegantissima Arborvitae

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Elegantissima Arborvitae

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Elegantissima Arborvitae dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun to partial shade; performs best with 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal color and density
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Water: Moderate watering needs; maintain consistently moist (not waterlogged) soil during establishment (first 2-3 years). Once established, fairly drought-tolerant but benefits from regular irrigation during dry spells and hot summers. Water deeply at the base; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
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Spacing: 36 inches
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Days to maturity: Not applicable (perennial; reaches mature size in 15-20 years)
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Planting depth: Plant so the root ball top is level with soil surface; do not plant too deep

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil; tolerates various soil types including slightly acidic to neutral
pH: 6.0-7.5
Amendments:
Compost or aged bark mulch at planting Peat moss or coconut coir for moisture retention Coarse sand or perlite if soil is heavy clay

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 2-8, with best performance in zones 3-6

2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment

1-2 years

Young sapling with developing root system and initial branching structure

Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist. Mulch around base with 2-3 inches of organic material. Avoid heavy fertilization; light balanced fertilizer acceptable. Protect from harsh winter wind in first year.

2

Young Growth

3-5 years

Tree developing its characteristic narrow columnar shape with increasing foliage density

Continue regular watering during dry periods. Allow natural form to develop; minimal pruning needed. Monitor for spider mites and bagworms. Maintain mulch layer.

3

Maturing

5-12 years

Tree reaching 10-15 feet tall with full, dense foliage and established fine texture; golden new growth displays prominently each spring

Reduce watering frequency as drought tolerance increases. Prune only to remove dead or diseased branches or to correct shape if needed. Light pruning in early spring if desired to maintain columnar form.

4

Mature

12+ years

Fully formed tree at 20-25 feet tall, dense and well-established with vibrant seasonal color changes

Water during extended drought. Minimal maintenance pruning. Monitor for disease or pest pressures. Occasional removal of lower dead branches acceptable.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Dwarf Norway spruce Boxwood Juniper Yew Ornamental grasses (sedge, festuca) Shade-tolerant perennials (hellebore, astilbe, hosta) Winter-blooming heather

Avoid planting near:

Black walnut (juglans nigra - produces juglone toxin) Shallow-rooted trees that compete for moisture Plants requiring full shade if siting in dense shade

Common Pests

  • Prune affected foliage; apply neem oil or spinosad in late spring when damage appears; maintain tree health and vigor to reduce susceptibility

  • Hand-pick bags in fall/winter; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or spinosad in early summer when caterpillars are small; treat infested branches before bags mature

  • Increase humidity and water foliage in dry conditions; spray with forceful water to dislodge; apply neem oil or miticide if severe; avoid excessive heat stress

  • Prune heavily infested branches; apply horticultural oil in dormant season or insecticidal soap during growing season; maintain plant vigor

  • Install physical barriers or netting; use deer repellents; plant in areas with reduced deer pressure if possible

Uses

🌿

Screening & Privacy Hedges

Landscape

The narrow, columnar form of Elegantissima arborvitae makes it ideal for creating living screens and privacy hedges in tight spaces. Its dense foliage effectively blocks views and reduces noise while requiring minimal width. [source]

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Formal Garden Accents

Landscape

The elegant, upright growth habit and refined texture make Elegantissima an excellent choice for formal garden designs, symmetrical plantings, and architectural focal points. Its fine foliage and golden spring color add visual sophistication. [source]

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Shelter for Birds & Small Animals

Wildlife

The dense branching structure provides excellent shelter, nesting sites, and winter protection for birds and beneficial wildlife. Arborvitae is a native host plant for various insects that support broader ecosystem health. [source]

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Aromatic Foliage & Holiday Décor

Household

The foliage has a pleasant, distinctive aromatic scent that releases when brushed. Branches can be harvested for holiday wreaths, garlands, and floral arrangements. [source]

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Traditional Herbal Use

Medicinal

Arborvitae has a long history in traditional medicine, with leaves and wood containing volatile oils. Historically used in teas and preparations, though modern use is limited and should be undertaken cautiously. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Not harvested; grown as ornamental landscape plant. Prune lightly in early spring to maintain shape and remove dead/diseased branches. Avoid heavy pruning. Foliage may be collected for holiday decorations if desired.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 The name 'Elegantissima' means 'most elegant' in Latin, reflecting the refined beauty of this cultivar's fine-textured foliage and graceful form.
  • 🌱 Arborvitae foliage contains volatile oils including thujone; the plant was historically valued by indigenous peoples and European herbalists for various traditional remedies.
  • 🌱 The 'Elegantissima' cultivar displays beautiful seasonal color changes, with bright golden-yellow new growth in spring that gradually transitions to softer green tones by summer, providing year-round ornamental interest.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Cultivar Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade
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