How to Grow Filifera Nana Arborvitae

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Filifera Nana Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis 'Filifera Nana'

shrub

A dwarf, thread-leaved cultivar of eastern arborvitae with fine, feathery foliage that resembles delicate strands. It grows slowly into a compact, mounded form, typically reaching 3-4 feet tall and wide at maturity. The soft, fern-like foliage turns bronze-purple in winter, providing year-round ornamental interest.

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

Plant Filifera Nana Arborvitae
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Filifera Nana Arborvitae
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

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

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Full sun to partial shade, minimum 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily

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Water: Moderate water needs; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during establishment (first year). Once established, drought-tolerant but performs best with regular watering during dry periods.

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Spacing: 36 inches

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Days to maturity: Not applicable; slow-growing shrub reaching mature size over 10-15 years

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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as root ball; top of root ball should be level with ground

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil

pH: 6.0-8.0

Amendments:

Compost or peat moss for moisture retention Perlite or sand for drainage improvement Aged bark mulch

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 2-8, with best performance in zones 3-7

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

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Growth Stages

Establishment

First 1-2 years

Young plant with thin, feathery branch structure; foliage is bright green

Water regularly to keep soil moist; mulch around base; provide shelter from strong winds; avoid heavy pruning

Young Growth

Years 2-5

Compact mounding form develops; branching becomes denser; thread-like foliage becomes more pronounced

Continue regular watering; light shaping pruning acceptable; maintain 2-3 inch mulch layer

Maturation

Years 5-15

Reaches 3-4 feet tall and wide; dense, mounded silhouette fully formed; foliage turns bronze or purple in cold months

Reduce watering frequency; minimal pruning needed; prune only to maintain shape or remove damaged branches

Seasonal Color Change

Occurs annually in fall/winter

Winter dormancy triggers color shift to bronze, copper, or purple tones; spring brings return to green

This is normal; no intervention needed; provides winter interest in landscape

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Creeping phlox Sedum Dwarf daylilies Ornamental grasses Japanese maple Heuchera Coral bells

Avoid planting near:

Black walnut (produces toxic juglone) Dense, competitive shrubs that shade it heavily Areas with poor drainage or standing water

Common Pests

Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil; ensure adequate humidity
Hand-pick bags when dormant; apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) in early summer before larvae fully develop
Prune out affected tips; maintain plant health; rarely causes serious damage to established plants
Ensure well-draining soil; avoid overwatering; improve drainage in wet areas; remove severely affected plants
Prune heavily infested branches; spray with horticultural oil in dormant season or insecticidal soap during growing season

Uses

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Landscape Specimen & Accent Plant

Ornamental

Filifera Nana's fine-textured, feathery foliage and compact form make it an excellent dwarf accent plant in rock gardens, mixed borders, and foundation plantings. Its bronze-purple winter color adds year-round visual interest to landscapes. [source]

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Fresh & Dried Arrangements

Craft

The delicate, thread-like foliage is prized by florists and crafters for fresh and dried floral arrangements, adding texture and greenery to compositions. Small cuttings retain their feathery appearance when dried. [source]

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Wildlife Shelter & Nesting

Wildlife

Dense evergreen foliage provides shelter and nesting habitat for birds and small wildlife throughout the year, including protection during harsh winters. [source]

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Natural Fragrance

Household

The foliage has a subtle, pleasant aromatic quality when brushed or crushed. Some gardeners use fresh cuttings in sachets or dried foliage for potpourri. [source]

Harvest Tips

Not harvested for crop; prune only for ornamental purposes. Thin cuttings can be taken for decorative arrangements or dried foliage. Prune in spring or early summer after new growth appears; avoid heavy pruning in late fall/winter.

Fun Facts

🌱 The 'Filifera Nana' cultivar was discovered as a sport (natural mutation) of the standard Filifera form, making it a true dwarf variety prized by collectors of miniature conifers.
🌱 Arborvitae's name comes from Latin meaning 'tree of life,' referring to its historic use by Native Americans and early colonists for medicinal and practical purposes.
🌱 The bronze-purple winter coloration is a natural frost response and indicates the plant is adapting to cold; this color fades back to green as temperatures warm in spring.

Gardening Terms

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

Cultivar Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade

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