Arborvitae and Emerald Green arborvitae are often considered for the same spot in the garden (hedge, screening, specimen, container). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Thuja occidentalis 3.5 m × 1.2 m after 10 years
A dense evergreen with scale-like foliage, planted in its columnar and conical forms (such as fast Brabant or slim Columna) as a clipped hedge or…
Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' 2.5 m × 75 cm after 10 years
This narrow, dense evergreen makes a tidy hedge or a slim privacy screen. Plant it in sun or light partial shade with good drainage, and water…
Arborvitae: We do not recommend it for most Central European gardens.
Emerald Green arborvitae: We do not recommend it for most Central European gardens.
Arborvitae is hardier: down to -40 °C, against -35 °C for Emerald Green arborvitae.
Emerald Green arborvitae needs less water than Arborvitae.
Arborvitae needs less care than Emerald Green arborvitae.
Emerald Green arborvitae is cheaper: about €5.40 at the size usually planted, against about €8 for Arborvitae.
|
Feature
|
Arborvitae
|
Emerald Green arborvitae
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Hedge | Hedge |
| Size after 10 years | 3.5 m × 1.2 m | 2.5 m × 75 cm |
| Ultimate size | 0.5–20 m × 0.5–4.5 m | 3.5–5 m × 1–1.5 m |
| Growth rate | Medium | Slow |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade | Full sun, Part shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Clay, Calcareous | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic |
| Hardiness | down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7) | down to -35 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Water need | High | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Low | Low |
| Maintenance | Medium | High |
| Planting distance | 70 cm | 80 cm |
| For dogs | Toxic (uncertain) | no data |
| For cats | Toxic (uncertain) | no data |
| For children | Toxic | Toxic (uncertain) |
| Typical price | approx. €8 | approx. €5.40 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 13, 2026
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