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How to Grow Globosa Nana Arborvitae

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Globosa Nana Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis 'Globosa Nana'

shrub

A compact, dwarf evergreen shrub with a naturally globular shape and soft, feathery foliage that emerges bright green and matures to deeper green or bronze-tinged tones in winter. This cultivar is prized for its dense, rounded form and minimal pruning requirements, making it ideal for foundation plantings, borders, and containers. It reaches only 3-4 feet in height and width at maturity, displaying soft needle-like foliage typical of arborvitae.

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

  1. Plant Globosa Nana 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 Globosa Nana Arborvitae

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

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

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun to partial shade; 6+ hours of sunlight daily for best shape and color
💧
Water: Moderate water needs; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during establishment (first 1-2 years). Drought-tolerant once established. Water deeply during dry spells and hot summers.
📏
Spacing: 36-48 inches (3-4 feet) between plants for mature spread inches
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Days to maturity: Reaches mature size in 10-15 years; notable ornamental form within 3-5 years
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Planting depth: Plant so the top of root ball is level with ground surface; do not plant deeper

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil; adaptable to sandy and clay soils
pH: 6.0-7.5
Amendments:
Compost or aged bark mulch for moisture retention Peat moss if drainage is excessive Avoid waterlogged conditions

Growing Zones

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Zones 2-8; cold-hardy and adaptable across most of North America

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 transplant with sparse branching and light green foliage; root system developing

Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist; apply 2-3 inches of mulch around base; protect from harsh winter winds in year one

2

Vegetative Growth

2-5 years

Foliage fills in and becomes denser; plant develops its characteristic rounded shape; growth is rapid

Maintain consistent moisture; apply slow-release evergreen fertilizer in spring; minimal pruning needed; remove any dead or damaged branches

3

Mature Form

5-10+ years

Plant reaches 3-4 feet tall and wide with full, dense, globular shape; foliage is rich green

Water during drought; occasional light pruning to maintain shape if desired; minimal fertilizer needed; monitor for pests and diseases

4

Winter Dormancy

3-4 months

Foliage may develop bronze, reddish, or purplish tones depending on cultivar and cold exposure; growth slows dramatically

Reduce watering but ensure soil doesn't dry out completely; avoid pruning in fall (prune in spring instead); no fertilizer needed

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Boxwood Dwarf Japanese Maple Euonymus Hosta Spiraea Juniper Sedum Ornamental grasses

Avoid planting near:

Plants requiring consistently wet soil Aggressive root competitors like maples Areas with poor drainage

Common Pests

  • Hand-pick bags in fall/winter; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) in early summer when caterpillars are young

  • Spray with strong water stream to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil in early morning or late evening

  • Prune and remove infested foliage; apply neem oil or insecticide in spring when moths emerge

  • and

    Horticultural oil spray in dormant season; insecticidal soap during growing season

Uses

🌿

Ornamental Specimen & Foundation Plant

Landscape

Globosa Nana's naturally perfect globe shape and compact size make it ideal for foundation plantings, formal gardens, entry areas, and landscape focal points without requiring extensive pruning. [source]

🏠

Container & Potted Specimen

Household

Due to its small mature size and slow growth, this cultivar thrives in large containers for patios, entryways, and raised gardens, where it can be moved and repositioned as needed. [source]

🦋

Shelter & Nesting Habitat

Wildlife

Dense evergreen foliage provides year-round shelter, nesting sites, and cover for birds and small wildlife, while also offering visual privacy screening in landscape designs. [source]

🌿

Winter Interest & Color

Landscape

Foliage takes on bronze, reddish, or purplish hues during cold months, providing striking winter landscape color and structural interest when deciduous plants are bare. [source]

Harvest Tips

This is an ornamental shrub, not harvested for consumption. Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches anytime. Light pruning to maintain shape can be done in spring after growth begins; avoid heavy pruning in fall as it can stimulate tender new growth vulnerable to winter damage.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Globosa Nana is a cultivar of Eastern Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis), a tree native to northeastern North America that has been used in traditional Indigenous medicine and early colonial gardens.
  • 🌱 The naturally perfect globe shape requires little to no pruning, making it one of the most low-maintenance compact conifers for homeowners and landscapers.
  • 🌱 Arborvitae foliage contains aromatic oils that release a pleasant fragrance when brushed or handled, particularly noticeable on warm days.

Gardening Terms

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

Cultivar Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade Transplant
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