To begin with, we present to your attention a photo and description. western thuja whose homeland is East End North America.
Western thuja in the photo
This is a lush tree up to 20 m in height and 70 cm in diameter with a pyramidal crown. Cultivated everywhere - from Black Sea coast to Arkhangelsk, from Siberia to the Far East.
The western species of thuja has opposite scale-like needles, flat flattened shoots and peeling bark. Plants are monoecious, i.e. they have both male and female female flowers. Male ones - sit in the axils of the needles. They have stamens with 4 prominent anthers. Female spikelets are located at the tips of the branches. Each scale has 1-2 ovules, except for the upper pair.
Look at the photo - this variety of thuja has small cones, up to 1 cm in length:
Western thuja cones 
Western thuja cones
They have an elongated oval shape. They ripen in the year of flowering, open and fall. In June the cones are green, and in October, when they ripen, they are brown.
The seeds are flat, narrow-winged. When describing the western thuja, it is worth noting that its entire appearance, reminiscent of a cypress, differs from other trees in the dense and dense branching of its pyramidal crown, with shoots branching in the same plane.
Exclusively frost-resistant plant, but if flooded in summer, the root system may suffer in winter, even to the point of complete death. Prefers moderate humidity, but grows well on dry slopes with sandy loam soil. It loves fertile loams, where it grows extremely luxuriantly. It tolerates drought better than any other tree. Almost does not suffer from pests and diseases.
Thuja occidentalis tolerates cutting and replanting well, which should be done in early spring or in September - October.
She has a lot decorative forms, very different in growth, crown outlines and foliage shade.
Thuja occidentalis 
Thuja occidentalis
Thuja occidentalis- fragrant plant. Its plantings exude an unusually pleasant aroma of freshness, which indicates a rich content of phytoncides and other physiological active substances. It is no coincidence that during the heyday of homeopathy, thuja was in the lead as a means of combating skin diseases, heart and vascular ailments.
Traditional medicine also does not neglect thuja raw materials. The bark, leaves, and fruits of thuja are healing.
Thuja leaves contain essential oils with a characteristic strong camphor odor - a valuable raw material for the perfume industry. Preparations using thuja stimulate the immune and central nervous system, cardiac activity.
The role of thuja as an air conditioner is undeniable. She not only cleanses him of harmful substances, but also enriches with useful ones, always remaining, even in the most polluted places, fresh, viable and decorative. This happens because, according to its biological requirements, thuja is very unpretentious plant, however, deserving of attention to her biological needs.
Thuja "Aurea" in the photo
"Aurea"- a collective name under which several forms with a golden yellow color are hidden. The typical form is that grows as a single-stemmed tree up to 2.5 m high, with a pyramidal crown. The needles of this variety of western thuja are bright yellow, turning green in the shade. It is most intensely colored from mid-summer to the onset of cold weather. It cuts and shapes well and is suitable for molded hedges. Effective in single plantings and as part of coniferous groups. Beautiful in combination with conifers, contrasting in crown shape and color. Winter-hardy, resistant to weather adversity.
Thuja "White-tipped" ("Albospicata") in the photo
“Belokonchikovaya” (“Albospicata”)- reaches a height of 2.5 m, the crown is wide-conical, with obliquely ascending shoots. The needles are medium in size, white-variegated at the ends. Particularly intense White color appears in the first half of summer, becoming somewhat discolored by autumn.
In some years high humidity and intense solar activity, the trees look simply magical, as if illuminated from within. This variety of western thuja is completely winter-hardy, beautiful both in a single planting and as part of coniferous groups and compositions. It is well cut and shaped, suitable for creating highly decorative hedges.
"Emerald"- in terms of the totality of qualities, the most popular of the pyramidal forms. The crown is made up of short fan-shaped branches, densely adjacent and together forming a narrow cone up to 3 m high, with a diameter of no more than 0.8 m. Advantages: non-denudity from below, persistent emerald color of scaly needles in all seasons, winter hardiness, constantly neat appearance. It finds universal use in gardens.
As you can see in the photo, this variety of western thuja is beautiful both in a single planting, and as part of coniferous and coniferous-shrub groups, and in alleys:
Planting thuja 
Planting thuja
Quite quickly it achieves decorativeness and optimal growth, remaining attractive until old age.
"Globoza"- a spherical shape that is not losing its popularity, 1-1.2 m high, in shading it can stretch slightly higher with a less dense crown. It has a dense, almost perfectly spherical crown that arises spontaneously without formation. The needles are medium in size, green in summer, slightly brownish in winter. A dense ball is formed by the age of 5-7, after which it continues to grow in width and thicken until the age of 18-20. Winter-hardy and stable. When describing this variety of western thuja, it should be noted that it looks good both alone and as part of coniferous groups.
"Globoza Nana"- one of the most decorative spherical thujas, not exceeding half a meter in height. Advantages: unpretentiousness to growing conditions; extraordinary density of the crown combined with the consistently green color of the scaly needles.
Fits perfectly into a wide variety of compositions: traditional mixborders, coniferous-shrub groups, coniferous monogardens. Good for line planting in the form of borders of varying densities up to cropped rectangular profiles. Organic in rock gardens different styles: alpine slide, mountain slope, flat or landscape rock garden, Japanese garden etc. Very desirable in all kinds of ceremonial places.
"Cristata" ("Comb")- in adulthood, it has a wide pyramidal crown up to 3.5 m high. When describing this variety of thuja of this variety, it should be especially noted distinctive feature- small scaly dark green-gray needles, collected in dense flat, vertically standing branches, reminiscent of bird feathers.
In youth it grows columnarly, then spreads out somewhat in width. Frost-resistant. Good alone, in groups and alleys, well trimmed, suitable for formed and natural hedges.
"Golden Tip"- has a sparse, wide-pyramidal crown up to 4 m high and up to 2 m wide at the base, formed by ascending straight branches. Young shoots are thick, light brown or yellowish. As the name of this variety of thuja suggests, its large needles have a dense golden color at the ends. It grows very quickly, reaching its maximum size by 15-20 years. Very stable and winter-hardy.
IN different years The color intensity of the ends of the branches ranges from light yellowish to bright gold, then the tree is unusually spectacular. Good for single planting, on the edges of groups of tall conifers and deciduous trees. It makes unusually elegant molded hedges. Suitable for curly haircuts.
"Rheingold"- extremely attractive due to the unusual color of the needles, light golden most of the year, in the fall it turns copper-colored yellow, and in spring - a pinkish tint.
The height of the plant is up to 1 m or a little more, the crown is initially spherical, somewhat shapeless with age, consisting of thin, densely woven shoots, but at the same time dense and compact. The needles are of two types: at the ends of the shoots - finely scaly, in the crown - heather-like. Winter-hardy and stable in cultivation.
The "Rheingold" variety, a western variety of thuja, is indispensable for creating coniferous groups and gardens, where it goes well with other conifers, both with vertical and spread-out crowns. Good next to stones, on slopes, in a Japanese garden.
"Danika"- one of the most popular forms of thuja. Valued for its dense, spherical, slightly flattened crown, formed by many ascending flat branches crowding each other. Height 0.6 m, width up to 0.8 m. Winter-hardy and unpretentious to soils.
Pay attention to the photo - this western-looking thuja fits well into a wide variety of compositions involving decorative deciduous shrubs, conifers and perennials:
Decorative foliage shrub thuja
"Teddy"- when positioned open, it has an almost spherical crown about 30 cm high. This is the most miniature form thuja with many advantages. The needles are needle-shaped, short, non-thorny, dark green, completely untypical for thuja, and brownish from autumn to spring. At the same time, it never “burns” and does not lose its decorative effect.
The crown is dense, formed from an early age. Plants very quickly (by 5-6 years) reach mature sizes and remain elegant until old age.
Dwarf growth and unusual appearance open the way for the plant to a variety of gardens and compositions, from a small rock garden and mixborder to coniferous gardens and groups with shrubs and trees. This variety of Western arborvitae grows well in containers.
By densely planting many plants, you can create something like an evergreen coniferous lawn for turfing foregrounds, slopes, etc. Loves fertile loams, and on dry ones sandy loam soils grows poorly.
"Filiformis"(thread-like form) - an original, completely unusual appearance for a thuja. The shoots of this thuja are long, cord-like, practically unbranched, hanging arcuately towards the periphery of the crown. The needles are scaly, tightly adjacent to the branches, and brown in winter. The crown in youth is sparse, with age it is very dense, with a rounded profile. This form of thuja exhibits winter hardiness, unpretentiousness, and an extraordinary appearance. Very interesting alone on the lawn and as a tapeworm in small gardens, goes well with vertically growing conifers.
"Elegantissima"(the most graceful) - has a dense, wide-conical crown about 4 m high, which it reaches only by the age of 30-40.
The needles are fresh green, scaly, the ends of the shoots have a whitish tint, which, combined with a beautiful silhouette, gives the tree an extraordinary showiness. By autumn the white color fades to yellowish, but the plant remains attractive. During the winter, the needles become somewhat discolored, but in the spring they acquire a bright color again.
Requires an open location. Good alone, in groups, alleys. Desirable in all kinds of ceremonial places.
"Elvanger Aurea"- has a slightly flattened spherical crown with individual protruding shoots, up to 70-90 cm high. The branches are thin, the crown is dense. The needles are golden-colored, heather-like inside the crown, scaly and small at the ends of the shoots. In certain periods of the year it is very similar to the “Rheingold” form, but the color of the needles is more stable. During the summer it is bright golden, and by autumn it turns slightly bronze. Good in a wide variety of gardens and compositions. Very interesting as part of coniferous groups.
"Ericoides"(heather-shaped) - a small tree about 1 m high, with an irregularly spherical multi-vertex crown formed by numerous thin, slightly branched shoots. The needles are needle-shaped, 6-8 mm long, soft. In summer it is two-colored: yellowish-green above, dark green below with a gray coating; In winter it takes on a brownish-violet hue. It does not form seeds, but propagates well by cuttings.
In unfavorable winters and springs it can burn. Very interesting as part of group compositions in the underside of more tall bushes and trees, especially conifers, contrasting with it in appearance: prickly and Canadian spruce, pyramidal junipers and thujas, etc. Good for large masses on slopes.
"Europe Gold"- a slow-growing shade-tolerant shrub, reaching a height of 4 m. The crown is dense, initially narrow-pyramidal, and with age it acquires a conical shape. As follows from the photo and description of this variety of western thuja, its needles are orange when blooming, and golden-yellow in winter. Tolerates haircuts well. Used in single and group plantings, hedges, suitable for creating alleys.
"Sunkist"- a tree 3-5 m high, the diameter of the conical crown is 1.5-2 m. The needles are golden-yellow. It grows very slowly, tolerates pruning, and is light-loving. Possibility of boarding in groups or alone.
"Dumosa"- shrub form, its height and diameter are within 1 m. The crown is flattened or slightly rounded. Used in heather gardens and rock gardens.
"Douglas Pyramidalis"- By appearance looks like cypress. Height up to 15 m. The needles are swamp green. It is very shade-tolerant, but on the lower branches the needles dry out early and partially fall off. This form of western thuja is suitable for hedges, in single and group plantings.
"Holmstrup"- a shrub up to 4 m high, the diameter of the conical crown is up to 1 m. The needles are scaly, thick, green. In some plants, the needles turn brown in autumn and winter, with a rusty tint. Used in single and group plantings.
Here you can see photos of Western thuja varieties, described above:
Western thuja varieties 
Western thuja varieties
Western thuja varieties 
Western thuja varieties
Now we present to your attention photos, names and descriptions of varieties of the eastern variety of thuja.
Thuja orientalis in the photo
Thuja orientalis (or oriental biota)- another type of thuja, common in landscaping along with the western one.
This tree grows up to 8 m in height in nature and comes from China. It could also be a bush.
As you can see in the photo, the eastern thuja has an ovoid crown, consisting of many flat plates rising from the base of the trunk to the top:
The crown of the eastern thuja is ovoid
On the back of the flat, scale-like needles there are resin glands, which distinguishes the eastern thuja from the western. The abundance of aromatic resin allowed ancient people to call thuja the “tree of life,” which in itself speaks of its extreme usefulness. When describing the properties of the eastern thuja, it is enough to say that essential oil, contained in thuja, is used in homeopathy as a powerful heart remedy.
Thuja blooms in May, the plant is monoecious. The cones in their immature state are fleshy and bluish-green. They ripen only in the 2nd year and then become dry, red-brown. The seeds are viable only in the lower and middle parts of the cone. They are wingless and quite heavy.
There are many forms and varieties of eastern thuja, among which columnar, spherical, and golden are common. Along with street landscaping, this plant is used both as a greenhouse and indoor plant.
Thuja "Aurea variegata" in the photo
"Aurea-variegata"- variegated form with a spherical crown and golden needles.
"Kompakta-ungeri"- also spherical in shape, but with white ends of the shoots.
"Elegantus"- with a dense pyramidal crown, golden-yellow needles in spring and greenish-yellow in summer.
"Siboyady"- low-growing spherical shape with bright green needles.
"Nana"- a densely branched dwarf shrub with spaced leaves.
"Rosentalis compacta" - dense bush with an ovoid crown and golden-yellow needles.
Biota is propagated by seeds, stem cuttings and grafting.
Look at the photos of the oriental thuja varieties described above:
Thuja "Siboyadi" 
Thuja "Nana"
Having familiarized yourself with the photo and description of the eastern and western thuja, it’s time to learn about the cultivation of these plants and their propagation.
Caring for Western and eastern thuja the same, and so are the methods of their reproduction. Growing thuja is not difficult; you only need to take into account some features of agricultural technology.
One of the conditions successful cultivation thuy – use the right soil. Trees grow best on thick, fertile structural loams. Sandy soils are less suitable, but can be improved by adding clay and large doses of organic matter.
Despite the relative shade tolerance, for thuja in middle lane and in more northern areas, completely open locations protected from cold winds are preferred. When growing western and eastern thujas, uniform illumination on all sides contributes to the formation of the most decorative crown.
Thuja, unlike most coniferous crops, tolerates transplantation well. In the first years it grows slowly, then a period of more intense growth follows, and again a slowdown in growth.
As shown in the photo, when caring for thujas, like all conifers, the main thing is watering:
Thuja care 
Thuja care
The first spring watering is carried out when the soil warms up and dries out. It should be combined with spraying the crown with water. During spring and summer, give abundant watering, but not more than 2 times a month.
When growing and caring for thuja, it does not like an abundance of fertilizers, which can even destroy it. In the first two years after planting, fertilizers that were given in landing hole. However, if the soil is poor and no fertilizers were applied during planting, fertilizing is needed, but large doses of fertilizers are undesirable; it is better to apply them in fractions.
In the first year after planting in hot climates, young plants must be shaded by using gauze, agrill or burlap. In this case, the material should not touch the branches. The most convenient thing is to have a lightweight folding frame covered with fabric. The use of such a protective frame allows you to reduce the number of water sprays.
Mulching is also a necessary technique for caring for thuja in the country. Mulch ( pine sawdust, peat, peat compost, humus) in a layer of 5-8 cm is poured into trunk circle. When sprinkled, mulch absorbs moisture, creating a microclimate with high humidity. The mulch is loosened periodically.
The fashion for thuja is growing every year. They go well with many other conifers (junipers, spruces), with ornamental shrubs and perennials. Good in complex tree and shrub compositions, beautifully lining the edges of groups of tall trees.
The video “Growing Thuja” shows all the basic agricultural techniques:
Thuja is propagated by seeds and cuttings. The seeds are collected in September-October, when the scales of the cones turn brown and begin to open slightly. But we must prevent them from spilling out. Collected seeds dry in a ventilated area. Sowing is done immediately after harvesting without preparation. For spring sowing, the seeds are mixed with wet sand and sown when they hatch. When propagating thuja, seeds should be sown in light or medium loamy soil.
The emerging seedlings in the 2nd year dive onto the ridges in which they remain for 2-3 years. In winter, the soil in the beds is covered with spruce branches, leaves or lightly sprinkled with humus. In spring, the cover is removed gradually and the plants are immediately shaded.
After 2-3 years, the seedlings are planted in a permanent place or growing at a distance of 25x70 cm. Growing lasts 4-5 years, after which the plants are ready for sale or transplanting to another place. When replanting, a lump of earth must be preserved. The crown of the thuja, especially the western one, forms itself, but once in the spring the branches extending beyond the habitus are slightly shortened.
Growing thuja
Garden forms of thuja are propagated vegetatively in order to completely reproduce their inherent characteristics. decorative properties. The main method of propagation of thuja is by green cuttings. They are cut or plucked with a “heel” measuring 5-8 cm. The timing of cuttings varies, from April to July.
The best survival rate is for spring cuttings planted in a warm ridge or greenhouse (a layer of manure, a layer of turf soil 10-15 cm and a layer of coarse river sand 1-1.5 cm). Cuttings are taken from young, well-developed plants. They are left in the beds for the winter, and in the spring, with well-branched roots, they are planted in a schoolhouse, where they grow for 4-5 years. For growing large-sized thujas, another transplant for growing is useful. After this, a standard material for implementation is obtained.
Watch the video “Propagation of Thuja”, which shows how to grow this tree from cuttings:
(Thuja occidentalis Aureospicata)
Thuja occidentalis Aureospicata has an attractive variegated needle color. Young shoots are golden in color, while last year's needles are dark green. This form of thuja is unpretentious and does not require special care, except for sanitary pruning. The plant is light-loving, but tolerates partial shade. Thuja is tolerant of urban environments. Despite the fact that this variety is quite frost-resistant, you should still avoid planting it in open areas. Thuja suffers from severe frosts and winds. It is used in single and group plantings, in decorative groups of plants.
(Thuja occidentalis Brabant)
Thuja occidentalis Brabant is the fastest growing and most popular variety of thuja occidentalis. In the conditions of the Moscow region it grows up to 4 m. It can grow on any soil, but prefers fresh, sufficiently moist fertile loams. Grows in light and shade. Tolerates both dryness and excessive soil moisture (but not waterlogging). Frost resistance is high. It tolerates pruning and shearing very well. Used in hedges, alley plantings, landscape compositions.
(Thuja occidentalis Globosa)
Thuja occidentalis Globoza is a dwarf spherical shrub. It grows best in a well-lit place, and is quite shade-tolerant. May burn in the first spring sun. It grows slowly. It grows well in fertile and moist soils, but does not tolerate stagnant water. Frost-resistant. Needs protection from winds. Beautiful plant for small gardens. Used in mixed borders, miniature tree and shrub compositions.
(Thuja occidentalis Globosa Compacta)
Thuja occidentalis Globoza Compacta - low growing coniferous shrub with a spherical crown with a diameter of 60 cm. It grows slowly. Winter hardiness is average. Grows well in sunny and semi-shaded places. Prefers moist, enough fertile soils. Does not tolerate dry air well. During dry periods, additional artificial irrigation is recommended. Recommended for small home gardens, rock gardens, rocky hills and growing in containers.
(Thuja occidentalis Golden Globe)
Thuja occidentalis Golden Globe is a slow-growing dwarf form of thuja with yellow colored needles. The needles are golden-yellow, scaly, and turn orange in autumn. Prefers sunny planting locations and light partial shade. Does not tolerate dry air and waterlogged soil. Winter hardiness is very high. Resistant to diseases and pests. IN garden design used in border plantings and miniature decorative compositions.
(Thuja occidentalis Golden Smaragd)
Thuja occidentalis Golden Smaragd - the best golden form, bred from popular variety Emerald. The needles are golden yellow throughout the year, the crown is almost perfectly conical. Grows best in sunny places and partial shade. In full shade the iridescent shade of the needles is lost. Does not tolerate drought, tolerant of pruning. Suitable for single and group plantings, looks great in a hedge.
(Thuja occidentalis Danica)
Thuja western Danica is a miniature spherical coniferous shrub with a dense crown. The growth rate is slow. It is not picky about soil, but still prefers moist fertile loams. Shade-tolerant, drought-resistant, frost-resistant. Used in single plantings, decorative groups, borders, rock gardens.
(Thuja occidentalis Yellow Ribbon)
Thuja occidentalis Yellow Ribbon is one of the varieties of Thuja occidentalis, which has different colors depending on the time of year. Young needles are orange, then turn green and turn brown in winter. The growth rate is average. It is not demanding on soil fertility. Prefers well-lit and fairly moist planting sites. Frost-resistant. May burn in the spring sun. Resistant to pests and diseases. Used in single and group plantings, in hedges.
(Thuja occidentalis Columna)
Thuja occidentalis Columna - conifer tree or columnar shrub. The growth rate is fast. Prefers fertile loams and can tolerate dry soil and excess moisture. Does not tolerate soil compaction well. Grows in sun and partial shade. Winter-hardy. Perfect for alley plantings and hedges. Serves as an excellent vertical accent in tree and shrub compositions.
(Thuja occidentalis Little Champion)
Thuja occidentalis Little Champion fully lives up to its name. This wonderful thuja has dark green needles and grows in a ball shape. At a young age it grows quickly, then the growth rate slows down. It is this form of thuja that tolerates large snow loads in winter and has high frost resistance. The needles burn in the spring sun. Used in groups or singly on rocky areas, suitable for creating low hedges, borders, and miniature compositions.
(Thuja occidentalis Pyramidalis Compacta)
Thuja occidentalis Pyramidalis Compacta is a coniferous tree about 6 m high (sometimes reaching 10 m). The needles are large, light green, with a slight shine. Grows well in sun and partial shade. Prefers fertile loams without stagnant water. Winter-hardy. At a young age it can get sunburned in the spring sun. Recommended for single and group plantings.
(Thuja occidentalis Sunkist)
Thuja occidentalis Sunkist - evergreen shrub with a cone-shaped crown. The needles are bright golden yellow, bright yellow when blooming, and bronze in winter. The growth rate is average. It is undemanding to soil, but prefers fertile loams. Shade-tolerant, drought-resistant. Can withstand waterlogged soil. Frost-resistant. Suitable for single plantings, decorative groups, borders, rock gardens. Recommended to use this type thujas in colorful mixed compositions.
(Thuja occidentalis Smaragd)
Thuja occidentalis Smaragd is popular due to the fact that it retains a bright emerald green color and its decorative effect throughout the year. The growth rate is moderate. Sensitive to drought, frost-resistant. Shade-tolerant, but shows its best decorative qualities in well-lit places. Looks great in hedges, alley plantings, as well as in decorative tree and shrub compositions as a vertical accent.
(Thuja occidentalis Teddy)
Thuja occidentalis Teddy is a spherical, slow-growing variety of thuja with unusually interesting needle-type needles and seemingly always young. Thuja Teddy resembles a fluffy ball. It grows slowly. Requires moderately fertile and moist soil. Shade-tolerant (a few hours of sun a day is enough). Does not tolerate dry soil and air. The plant is suitable for growing in containers. Recommended for use in rocky gardens.
(Thuja occidentalis Tiny Tim)
Thuja occidentalis Tini Tim is a beautiful dwarf shrub with a spherical crown. Grows in sun and partial shade. Virtually no maintenance required. Resistant to diseases and pests. It is undemanding to soils, tolerates dry soil and excessive moisture, but prefers fresh, sufficiently moist fertile loams. Can tolerate both arid soil and short-term waterlogging. Used as a foreground in miniature compositions. Used in borders, rock gardens, rockeries.
(Thuja occidentalis Hoseri)
Thuja occidentalis Hoseri is an evergreen dwarf shrub with a spherical shape. In autumn it acquires a bronze tint. It grows slowly. It has little demands on soil fertility. Shade-tolerant, but develops best in light partial shade. Moisture-loving, does not tolerate dry air. Winter-hardy. Used in miniature compositions with other low-growing coniferous plants. Looks great in borders.
(Thuja occidentalis Holmstrup)
Thuja occidentalis Holmstrup is a slow-growing coniferous shrub. Not demanding on soil composition. Photophilous, drought-resistant, frost-resistant. Tolerates haircuts well. Used in hedges and alley plantings. Thanks to its compact crown, it is suitable for use in small gardens.
(Thuja plicata Kornik)
Thuja foldata Kornik is a powerful coniferous tree with a dense pyramidal crown. Shade-tolerant. Demanding on soil and air moisture. Does not tolerate drought well. Frost-resistant. Prefers a sunny planting location or partial shade. It grows slowly. Decorative throughout the year. It goes well with cypress, hemlock, and fir. Good for forming dense groups, alleys, and creating contrasting compositions. Used in park design.
One of the most popular conifers among summer residents ornamental trees is thuja. This is an evergreen tree or shrub that belongs to the Cypress family. This family also includes such widespread conifers as cypress,. Young thujas have needle-like needles. The needles have a light green tint. Adults have scale-like foliage and are darker in color. A tree can develop for almost 100 years.
Most varieties are frost resistant. Colors Arborvitae are varied depending on the varieties. For example, a tree can be blue color, and also yellowish. There are tall three-meter thujas, as well as dwarf shrubs.
The most popular in Russia western thuja.
Western Thuja is a species. It can grow up to 20 meters, but in Russia the western thuja rarely grows above 7 meters. Crown shapes are:
A large number of varieties of western thuja are grown. Among them are such common varieties: Smaragd, Barbant, Danika, Columna and others. However, some amateur gardeners look for less popular, but no less unusual varieties on gardening shelves. Below are the most common varieties with photos. Often gardeners and landscape designers When deciding to plant a thuja, they ask the question: “Which one is better to plant in the country?”
Degroot Spire- a varietal variety of western thuja. It has a unique columnar shape, has a narrow and straight crown and is considered the narrowest among the columnar species. The height of this crop is up to 3 meters. Degroot Spire is widespread in the West.
This is a tree - perfect option for landscape design and landscaping. For example, Degroot Spire will help to arrange any fence, even if its height reaches 5 meters. A tall but thin green wall will not take up much space on the site.
Thuja occidentalis Degroot Spire.
Degroot Spire has such advantages as frost resistance and undemanding soil conditions. It is better to plant a tree in places that are well lit sun rays. The shadow makes the crown looser. The ideal soil for growing this variety is a combination of the following components:
One bucket of water is enough for watering. Regular watering - once a week. In the spring the tree is fed. The soil needs to be mulched and loosened periodically. In spring, the tree is covered to avoid sunburn. In winter, the crown needs to be tied with tape so that wet snow does not damage the crown.
Holmstrup is an evergreen shrub. The crown shape is columnar. Mature tree grows up to 4 meters in height. The crown color is rich green. IN winter periods the color of the needles does not change. The needles of the shrub are dense and consist of scales.
Thuja Holmstrup (“Holmstrup”).
This variety is frost-resistant, shade-tolerant and tolerates windy weather well. The shrub does not require high soil fertility. This bush is great option For Russia. It is best to plant it in places well lit by sunlight. Or you should choose places that are not too shaded.
The shrub is an excellent choice for planting in groups or individually. Hedges are rarely created using Holmstrup.
One of the varieties of narrow-shaped thujas is Fastigiata. This varietal variety was first grown in Germany. A mature tree grows up to 12 meters in height. It grows very quickly. Visually similar to cypress. The needles of the tree are soft and have a pleasant aroma. The cones are small in size.
Thuja occidentalis Fastigiata (“Fastigiata”).
This variety loves the sun and prefers fertile soil. In spring, it is advisable to cover young seedlings so that the spring sun does not damage them. To improve the soil structure, mulch it. Cut grass is used for mulching. In winter, spruce branches are used for mulching. Lapnik prevents the reproduction of mice.
With the help of Fastigiata, hedges are often formed. They are not only beautiful, but also do not take up much space. The varietal variety is not afraid of decorative haircuts. Designers use wood in large landscape compositions and use it in group plantings. It goes well with a variety of flowers and shrubs.
They are extremely popular, refresh the landscape, and look great in any composition. Unfortunately, many of them are “capricious”. The most common varieties in Russia are described below.
Yellow Ribon - yellow variety thuja. It is small in size. The crown shape is conical. Adult thuja has a height of up to 2 meters. It grows quite quickly. The crown is loose, so it is advisable to trim the tree regularly to give it density.
The needles of young trees have Orange color, becoming green as they mature. In winter, the crown turns brown. The sunny the place where this thuja grows, the brighter the color of the crown.
The variety is distinguished by its demanding growing conditions. The soil must be fertile and moist for the plant to delight with its beauty.
Thuja Yellow Ribbon.
Beautiful golden needles make this variety very valuable. In landscape design, Yellow Ribon thujas are used to form walls that have a rich yellow tint. They are planted in containers, and they are also used to create hedges and memorial walls.
Golden Globe is notable for its slow growth. The crown shape of this coniferous crop is spherical. The height of an adult bush does not exceed 1 meter.
The needles are loose. Regular haircuts help achieve density. The ends of the shoots are golden in color; inside the crown the needles are green. In the autumn, the needles take on a copper tint, and in the spring they become golden again. To make the shrub happy with its golden color, it is recommended to plant it in sunny or slightly shaded places.
Thuja Golden Globe (“Golden Globe”).
This shrub does not require high soil fertility, but loves lime-rich soil. To avoid branches breaking off, the crown is tied up for the winter.
Shrubs are used in plantings in groups; they can also be planted individually. They are also used to create beautiful hedges and borders.
Many other varieties of this crop are known. The following varieties are extremely popular: Brabant, Smaragd, Danika, Globoza. Specialty stores and nurseries also have more unique and less common varieties. Below are the names of the western thuja varieties and their brief descriptions.
Little Boy- this is a relatively new dwarf spherical variety. The height does not exceed 0.5 meters. Growth is slow. The needles of this thuja have an emerald color. Little Boy requires high soil fertility. Loves the sun, but is not averse to growing in partial shade. This thuja is used to create:
Hoseri- This is an original variety originally from Poland. This is another dwarf globular tree species. The scale-like needles are dark green in color. In autumn, the needles take on a bronze hue. Hoseri loves moisture, is not picky about the soil and is shade-tolerant. This crop is also frost-resistant and not afraid of winds.
Mircem- this is another one dwarf variety thuja. Mature plant grows up to 80 cm. The needles have a bright yellow color, becoming bronze by autumn. Plant growth is slow. Due to its size, this thuja is an ideal option for rock gardens and planting in pots.
For planting along fences, varieties such as Holmstrup, Fastigiata, Brabant, Smaragd are often used.
Which thuja is the most unpretentious?
Many species of this crop are unpretentious. Brabant, Smaragd, Holmstrup are often chosen.
How much do thuja seedlings cost?
The price of one seedling is from 150 rubles and above.
I do rock gardens. How are thujas used in alpine slides?
Low-growing varieties are suitable for rock gardens. In Russia, the most popular are the dwarf species of western thuja. The following varieties are ideal: Danica, Golden Globe, Woodwardy, Philivormis. All of them have a spherical shape.
Is it possible to use thuja in mixborders?
Can. Despite the fact that mixborders require a wide variety of colors and shades, conifers are successfully used in mixborders. Thuja has many shades: green, blue and yellow.
A short and clear overview of some outstanding varieties. The information in the video is presented in a way that will be of interest to beginning gardeners.
Several centuries ago, this magnificent plant was called the tree of life. Thuja always pleases the eye. Her evergreen needles all year round fills the garden with life and beauty.
It has a spicy, refreshing aroma that invites you to the garden to relax from everyday problems. Thuja has rot-resistant wood. It is winter-hardy and heat-tolerant.
Thuja belongs to the cypress family and is represented in nature by trees, the average height of which is 12-18 meters (in rare cases, a tree reaches 75 meters), as well as shrubs of a wide variety of shapes and heights.
The needles of thuja are scaly, while those of young plants are needle-shaped. Thanks to the huge variety garden forms, thuja forms the basis of most proposals for landscape design of a particular site.
IN landscape design thujas are divided into the following types, according to application:
- dwarf (used in rockeries and);
- for hedges;
- solitary (for single planting).
Thuja occidentalis "Brabant"
This variety is highly valued due to its high frost resistance. This plant forms a dense and tall green wall, and requires pruning twice a year, preferably in August and April.
"Brabant" grows quite quickly and can reach a height of up to 4 meters. As a hedge, the plant should be planted at a distance of 0.5-1 meters from each other, this depends on the required strength of the hedge.
Thuja occidentalis "Smaragd"
This plant with a narrow cone-shaped crown can reach a height of 6 meters. This variety of thuja has high frost resistance and wind resistance. She is not particularly whimsical and does not need careful care.
"Smaragd" is ideal for hedges. Also used in single and group plantings.
Photo of thuja "Smaragd"
Thuja occidentalis 'Holmstrap'
This plant forms a fairly dense wall, reaching 2.5 meters in height. This variety grows very slowly and can only reach the desired height within 10 years.
Therefore, it is often used in small gardens for low decorative hedges. The plant must be planted at a distance of 70-80 cm from each other. This thuja does not need a haircut.
Thuja occidentalis "Dannika"
This variety has a spherical crown. It grows quite slowly. In height, as a rule, it reaches no more than 80 cm. The diameter of the crown is about a meter.
The spherical shape is maintained even without pruning. Great for small garden plots, patios, container gardening and rock gardens.
Photo globular thuja varieties "Danika"
Thuja occidentalis "Little Dorrit"
This variety, like the previous one, has a spherical crown. The height of an adult plant is about 80 cm. The crown diameter is 60 cm. It is characterized by high winter hardiness.
Thuja occidentalis "Hozeri"
This plant, also with a spherical crown, grows up to 0.5 meters in length and 0.6 meters in diameter. Looks impressive in rock gardens and low hedges.
Thuja occidentalis "Rheingold"
A slow-growing variety that reaches 150 cm in height. The crown of "Rheingold" is spherical. The color of the needles is golden-yellow, becoming completely brown closer to winter. Perfect for group and single plantings and alpine slides.
Thuja occidentalis "Sunkist"
This shrub has a conical shape and golden-yellow needles. It grows very slowly. Over a decade of slow and measured growth, it reaches a height of about 3 meters and 1 meter in diameter. This plant does not require pruning.
Photo of thuja "Sunkist"
Thuja foldata "Kornik"
A conical shrub that grows quite quickly. The height of an adult plant is 2.5-3 meters, and the diameter is up to 1.5 meters. This plant is somewhat capricious and prefers fertile and humid places. Very poorly tolerated high temperatures and needs constant moderate watering.
Thuja is one of those plants that do not lose their decorative appearance all year round.. Thuja is especially beautiful in winter. In addition, such plants bring practical benefits - they soften the microclimate, restrain strong gusts of wind, clean the air of dust and enrich it with oxygen.
But it should be remembered that some types of thuja are highly poisonous and can cause severe burns and even a heart attack. Therefore, when choosing such plants, consult with specialists.
| Danica(Danika) An ideal ball from a young age, it grows no more than 60 cm. It grows slowly, at 20 years the height is about 50 cm. The needles are thick, soft, shiny, light green, slightly bronze in winter. Prefers sun and partial shade, is undemanding to the soil, tolerates dryness and excess moisture. Wintering under the snow, it practically does not suffer from spring burns. |
 Dumosa(Dumosa) The crown is flattened or slightly rounded, height and diameter 1 m. At the top there are many vertical thin shoots 10-15 cm long. The needles are green all year round. |
 Globosa(Globoza) The shrub is spherical in shape, diameter and height no more than 2 m. The crown is dense and grows evenly in all directions. The needles are green in summer, brownish or grayish in winter. It grows slowly. More than other thujas, it needs frequent watering; rejuvenating pruning is recommended every 2 years. Its shape is first round, later cone-shaped, and can reach 2 m in height. The needles are matte green, brownish in winter. |
 Golden Globe(Golden Globe) The shrub is round in shape, 1 m in height and in diameter. It grows slowly, 8-10 cm per year. The needles are golden yellow and acquire a copper tint in autumn. Prefers sun or partial shade. Haircut enhances the density of the crown. |
 Little Champion(Little Champion) Dwarf thuja of round shape. The ends of the branches droop slightly. At first it grows quickly, but upon reaching 50 cm the growth slows down. The needles are bright green, turning slightly brown in winter. |
 Recurva Nana(Recurva Nana) The name translates as “low curved”. The branches are curved, the ends of the young shoots are twisted. The crown is thick, terry, reminiscent of moss. |
 Stolwijk(Stolvik) Shrub up to 1.5 m with a hemispherical crown. The lower part is dense, the upper part is sparse and consists of several trunks. The needles are green, the young growth is yellow-white. Loves the sun and fertile, moist soil, does not tolerate dry air. |
 Tiny Tim(Tiny Tim) Very beautiful dwarf form with a rounded crown. It grows slowly, rarely growing more than 1 m. The branches are short and form lacy spirals. The needles are dark green and turn brown in winter. Photophilous. |
 Woodwardii(Wudvari) It is a dense ball, its height and diameter are 1.5 m. The needles are dark green and do not change color in winter. It grows slowly. In very severe winters, the ends of annual shoots may freeze. |
Today, thujas with an original form of shoots are highly valued, for example, Cristata(Cristata), meaning "combed". It's beautiful slender tree about 3 m high with a narrow, uneven crown, the branches are curved and directed upward, the needles are grayish-green.
No less interesting Spiralis(Spiralis), graceful, with a narrow conical or columnar crown and a long sharp tip, grows up to 5 m. The surface of the crown is very wavy, because the lateral branches are twisted in a spiral, the needles are bluish-green. In terms of growth rate, it is ahead of all garden forms.
Thuja cascade looks unusual Filiformis(Filiformis, “thread-like”). It has a thick, rounded crown and long hanging shoots. 
