The globe arborvitae, a cultivar of Thuja occidentalis (Eastern White Cedar), is defined by its naturally rounded, dense, and compact habit. This makes it a popular choice for residential landscaping. Its formal shape and minimal need for pruning allow it to fit seamlessly into various garden designs, including formal hedges and foundation plantings. The plant’s steady growth and resilience across many climates ensure it provides reliable, year-round greenery.
Popular Globe Varieties and Their Traits
The selection of globe arborvitae cultivars offers a spectrum of sizes and shades for precise placement.
Thuja occidentalis ‘Danica’ is one of the smallest, typically reaching only 1.5 to 3 feet in height and width. This slow-growing dwarf variety has dense, bright emerald-green foliage held in vertical sprays. It maintains a neat, spherical shape without trimming.
‘Hetz Midget’ is a slightly larger, slow-growing cultivar that generally matures to 3 to 4 feet tall and wide. This variety features fine, soft, blue-green foliage, which is often denser than other cultivars. ‘Hetz Midget’ is utilized in smaller spaces where a moderate, rounded form is desired.
For a mid-sized sphere, ‘Little Giant’ commonly grows to 3 to 4 feet tall and wide, though some can reach 6 feet. This dwarf cultivar is known for its rich green foliage that holds its color well throughout the winter. Its reliable, dense habit forms a consistent, globe shape with minimal intervention.
The largest popular type is ‘Woodwardii’, which develops into a substantial, compact globular-spreading form. It can reach a mature height of 4 to 10 feet and a width of 8 to 15 feet. While it grows moderately, its eventual size suits larger garden spaces or use as a specimen plant. ‘Woodwardii’ has attractive, rich green foliage in flattened sprays, offering a more relaxed texture than the dwarf cultivars.
Choosing the Right Size and Color for Your Landscape
Selecting the appropriate globe arborvitae begins by matching the plant’s ultimate size to the available space. Smaller cultivars, such as ‘Danica’ and ‘Hetz Midget’, are suited for edging pathways, rock gardens, or containers. Their compact habit prevents them from overwhelming the area.
Larger varieties like ‘Little Giant’ or ‘Woodwardii’ serve better as foundation plantings, where their moderate to large size can anchor the corners of a structure or provide a visual break in a mixed border. Knowing the mature dimensions prevents the need for heavy, unnatural pruning later.
Foliage color is a significant consideration, especially where winter interest is important. While most globe arborvitae are cultivated for year-round green color, some varieties shift color in response to cold temperatures. ‘Danica’, for example, may take on a blue-green or pale bronze tint during winter. This natural bronzing is a protective mechanism. If a consistent color is preferred, varieties like ‘Little Giant’ retain their deep green shade well.
Cultivars with gold or yellow-green coloring provide a striking contrast against darker evergreens or snow. The intensity of color is influenced by direct sunlight, as full sun exposure enhances the vibrancy of the foliage. Considering the mature size and seasonal color changes ensures the plant complements the landscape throughout the year.
Essential Planting and Maintenance Needs
Globe arborvitae thrive in full sun, which encourages the densest foliage growth, though they tolerate partial shade. Planting the shrub in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily optimizes its health. The soil should be moist, well-drained, and ideally a loamy mix, as these plants are intolerant of overly dry conditions.
During the establishment period (the first year), consistent and deep watering is necessary to develop a strong root system. Apply a two-inch layer of organic mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature, ensuring the mulch does not touch the trunk. Since globe arborvitae maintain their round shape naturally, pruning is rarely needed beyond removing dead or damaged branches in late winter or early spring.
Gardeners should be aware of two common issues: winter burn and deer browsing. Winter burn occurs when evergreens lose moisture through their foliage on sunny, windy days while the ground is frozen, preventing roots from replenishing water. Thorough deep watering before the ground freezes helps mitigate this loss. Deer find the soft foliage attractive, so protective measures like fencing or repellent sprays may be necessary in areas with high deer populations.