Arborvitae vs Emerald Green arborvitae

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.

Arborvitae

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…

Hedge

Full sun

Part shade

from about HUF 1,300

Emerald Green arborvitae

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…

Hedge

Full sun

Part shade

from about HUF 1,400

Key differences

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 HUF 2,400 at the size usually planted, against about HUF 4,400 for Arborvitae.

The data side by side

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. HUF 4,400	approx. HUF 2,400

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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