Arborvitae, also known as Thuja, is a genus of evergreen coniferous trees and shrubs belonging to the cypress family (Cupressaceae). The term “arborvitae” itself is derived from the Latin words “arbor” (tree) and “vitae” (life) and translates to “tree of life.” The name reflects the longevity and evergreen nature of these plants.

Arborvitae conifers are characterized by their dense foliage, which consists of scale-like or needle-like leaves that are typically arranged in flattened sprays. They have a conical or columnar shape and can vary in size depending on the species and cultivar.

These conifers are popular in landscaping and gardening due to their attractive appearance and ease of cultivation. They are commonly used as ornamental trees or shrubs in gardens, hedges, screens, and windbreaks. Arborvitae species are known for their resilience and ability to adapt to various growing conditions. They are native to North America and eastern Asia.

One of the most well-known species is Thuja occidentalis, commonly known as Eastern Arborvitae or American Arborvitae. It is native to eastern North America and is widely cultivated for its compact size, dense foliage, and tolerance to cold temperatures. Other notable species include Thuja plicata (Western Arborvitae or Western Red Cedar) and Thuja orientalis (Oriental Arborvitae).

Arborvitae conifers are valued not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their practical uses. Their wood is lightweight, durable, and resistant to decay, making it suitable for various applications such as construction, furniture, and fence posts.

In summary, arborvitae conifers are a group of evergreen trees and shrubs known for their dense foliage, conical shape, and adaptability. They are commonly used in landscaping and have both ornamental and practical uses.

Sambucus racemosa ‘Lemony Lace’

Sambucus racemosa ‘Lemony Lace’ is a cultivar of the Red Elderberry or European Red Elder (Sambucus racemosa). It is a deciduous shrub known for its striking golden foliage and delicate lace-like appearance.

Here are some key features of Sambucus racemosa ‘Lemony Lace’:

Appearance: ‘Lemony Lace’ is prized for its finely dissected leaves that have a lacy texture. The foliage emerges as a bright chartreuse or yellow-green color in spring and matures to a golden yellow shade as the season progresses. The leaflets are deeply cut, giving them a feathery appearance. In early summer, clusters of small creamy-white flowers appear, which are followed by small red berries in late summer to early fall.

Size: This cultivar typically grows as a compact, mounding shrub, reaching a height and spread of around 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 meters). Its compact size makes it suitable for small gardens or as a container plant.

Growing Conditions: ‘Lemony Lace’ thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. It prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It is relatively adaptable to different soil types and can tolerate both wet and dry conditions. It is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 7.

Care and Maintenance: This shrub is generally low-maintenance. Regular watering is recommended, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist. Pruning can be done in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and remove any dead or damaged branches.

Landscape Use: Sambucus racemosa ‘Lemony Lace’ is a versatile shrub that can be used in various garden settings. Its vibrant foliage and delicate texture make it an eye-catching focal point or a colorful addition to mixed borders, rock gardens, or woodland gardens. It can also be utilized in mass plantings or as a low hedge. The red berries produced by the plant are attractive to birds and can provide wildlife interest.

It’s important to note that while the berries of the Red Elderberry are not suitable for human consumption, they can be attractive to birds and wildlife.

Overall, Sambucus racemosa ‘Lemony Lace’ is valued for its vibrant golden foliage, lacy appearance, and adaptability. Its unique characteristics make it a sought-after choice for adding texture and color to gardens and landscapes.

Hinoki Cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) is a species of evergreen coniferous tree native to Japan. It is highly valued for its elegant, dense foliage, unique texture, and pleasant aroma. One popular cultivar of Hinoki Cypress is Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Confucius,’ which exhibits distinct color variations compared to the typical species.

Here are some key characteristics of Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Confucius’:

Appearance: ‘Confucius’ is known for its vibrant golden-yellow foliage, which stands out in the landscape. The foliage retains its color throughout the year, providing a striking contrast to other green plants in the garden. The branches are densely arranged, forming a compact, pyramidal shape. As the tree matures, it can reach heights of around 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 meters) and have a spread of about 5 to 10 feet (1.5 to 3 meters).

Growth Rate: ‘Confucius’ has a slow to moderate growth rate, making it a suitable choice for smaller gardens or as a focal point in a landscape.

Hardiness and Adaptability: Hinoki Cypress is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 8. It prefers full to partial sun and well-draining soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay and loam. Hinoki Cypress is generally resistant to pests and diseases, adding to its overall resilience.

Aroma: The wood and foliage of Hinoki Cypress emit a distinctive fragrance often described as lemony or spicy. This pleasant scent is highly regarded and is one of the reasons this tree is valued in traditional Japanese culture.

Landscape Use: Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Confucius’ is commonly used in gardens and landscapes for its ornamental qualities. Its golden-yellow foliage adds visual interest and can create a focal point or a contrasting element in the garden. It can be planted as a specimen tree, as part of mixed borders, or in rock gardens. Hinoki Cypress is also well-suited for container planting and can be shaped or pruned to maintain its desired form.

Hinoki Cypress, including the ‘Confucius’ cultivar, is treasured for its beauty, durability, and cultural significance in Japanese gardens. Its striking golden color, unique texture, and aromatic qualities make it a popular choice for adding elegance and charm to various garden settings.

The Weeping Red Bud, or Cercis canadensis ‘Lavender Twist,’ is a popular cultivar of the Eastern Red Bud tree. It is known for its unique weeping growth habit, which sets it apart from the typical upright form of the species. The Weeping Red Bud is cherished for its graceful cascading branches, beautiful spring flowers, and attractive foliage.

Here are some key features of the Weeping Red Bud:

Appearance: The Weeping Red Bud showcases a weeping or pendulous form, with its branches gracefully arching downward. It typically reaches a height of around 6 to 10 feet (1.8 to 3 meters) and spreads out to create an elegant canopy. The heart-shaped leaves emerge as a reddish-purple color in spring, gradually transitioning to a deep green as summer approaches. In early spring, clusters of pink to lavender flowers appear directly on the branches before the leaves emerge, adding a splash of color to the landscape.

Growing Conditions: Weeping Red Bud trees thrive in full sunlight to partial shade. They prefer well-draining soil but are adaptable to various soil types. They are relatively hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures and climates, making them suitable for different regions. Regular watering and mulching are recommended to help maintain soil moisture.

Care and Maintenance: The Weeping Red Bud requires minimal maintenance once established. Pruning may be necessary to maintain the desired weeping form and remove any dead or crossing branches. Pruning is typically done in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Regular watering during dry periods and a layer of mulch around the base of the tree can help retain soil moisture and support healthy growth.

Landscape Use: The Weeping Red Bud is a popular choice for adding visual interest and elegance to gardens, landscapes, and even smaller spaces. Its weeping branches and striking flowers make it a captivating focal point or specimen tree. It can be planted as a standalone tree or in groupings to create a dramatic effect. It is also suitable for planting near ponds, water features, or in woodland gardens.

Green Giant Arborvitae
Thuja plicata

The Green Giant Arborvitae, also known as Thuja ‘Green Giant’ (Thuja plicata × Thuja standishii ‘Green Giant’), is a popular evergreen tree cultivar. It is a hybrid resulting from a cross between Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) and Japanese Arborvitae (Thuja standishii).

Here are some key characteristics of the Green Giant Arborvitae:

Appearance: The Green Giant Arborvitae is known for its fast growth rate and large size. It has a tall, pyramidal shape and can reach heights of up to 60 to 80 feet (18 to 24 meters) at maturity, with a spread of about 15 to 20 feet (4.5 to 6 meters). The foliage consists of flattened, scale-like leaves that are deep green in color.

Growth Rate: One of the notable features of the Green Giant Arborvitae is its rapid growth. It is considered one of the fastest-growing evergreen trees, with an average growth rate of around 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 meters) per year under ideal conditions. This characteristic makes it an attractive choice for creating privacy screens, windbreaks, or for quickly establishing a green barrier in a landscape.

Hardiness and Adaptability: The Green Giant Arborvitae is highly adaptable and can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. It is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 8. It can thrive in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil, but it can tolerate a variety of soil types, including clay and sandy soils.

Disease and Pest Resistance: The Green Giant Arborvitae is known for its excellent resistance to many common diseases and pests that can affect arborvitae species. It is relatively resistant to damage from deer browsing, as well.

Landscape Use: Due to its rapid growth and dense foliage, the Green Giant Arborvitae is often used as a privacy screen, windbreak, or living fence. It can effectively block unwanted views, reduce noise, and create a sense of seclusion in a landscape. Its large size and attractive appearance also make it suitable as a specimen tree or for adding vertical interest to a garden.

When considering planting the Green Giant Arborvitae, it’s important to provide adequate spacing for its mature size and ensure regular watering during its establishment phase. Additionally, proper pruning may be necessary to maintain its desired shape and size.

Japanese Maple Acer palmatum ‘Dissectum’

The Japanese Maple, Acer palmatum ‘Dissectum,’ is a beautiful and popular cultivar known for its delicate, finely cut foliage and graceful, cascading form. It is a variety of the Acer palmatum species, which is native to Japan, Korea, and China. Here’s some information about the Japanese Maple ‘Dissectum’:

1. Appearance: The ‘Dissectum’ cultivar is characterized by its deeply dissected, feathery leaves. The leaves have a lace-like appearance, with serrated edges and multiple lobes. They typically emerge with a reddish or bronze color in spring, turn green during summer, and develop vibrant shades of red, orange, or yellow in autumn. The tree has a low, spreading habit, with cascading branches that create an elegant and picturesque silhouette.
2. Size: Japanese Maple ‘Dissectum’ is a small to medium-sized tree, typically reaching a height of 6 to 10 feet (1.8 to 3 meters) and a spread of 8 to 12 feet (2.4 to 3.7 meters). However, its size can vary depending on growing conditions and pruning practices.
3. Growing Conditions: ‘Dissectum’ is generally well-suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 8, although specific cultivars may have different tolerances. It thrives in partial shade or dappled sunlight, as excessive sun exposure can scorch the delicate foliage. The soil should be well-draining, moist, and rich in organic matter. It’s important to protect the tree from strong winds, as its delicate branches are prone to damage.

Japanese Maple ‘Dissectum’ is a stunning tree that adds elegance and beauty to any landscape. Its unique foliage and graceful form make it a cherished addition to gardens around the world.

Boxwood
Buxus microphylla japonica ‘Green Beauty’