Arborvitae and Red-tip photinia 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…
Photinia × fraseri 3 m × 2 m after 10 years
An evergreen shrub for hedges and specimens whose new shoots emerge bright red and mature to glossy dark green; trimming in spring and summer brings…
Arborvitae: We do not recommend it for most Central European gardens.
Arborvitae is hardier: down to -40 °C, against -18 °C for Red-tip photinia.
Red-tip photinia tolerates drought better than Arborvitae.
Red-tip photinia needs less water than Arborvitae.
Arborvitae is cheaper: about HUF 4,400 at the size usually planted, against about HUF 6,000 for Red-tip photinia.
|
Feature
|
Arborvitae
|
Red-tip photinia
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Hedge | Hedge |
| Size after 10 years | 3.5 m × 1.2 m | 3 m × 2 m |
| Ultimate size | 0.5–20 m × 0.5–4.5 m | 1–6 m × 1–4.5 m |
| Growth rate | Medium | Fast |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade | Full sun, Part shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Clay, Calcareous | Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic |
| Hardiness | down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7) | down to -18 °C (USDA 6, RHS H6) |
| Foliage | Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Flowering | no data | April–May, white |
| Water need | High | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Low | Medium |
| Maintenance | Medium | Medium |
| Planting distance | 70 cm | 80 cm |
| For dogs | Toxic (uncertain) | Mildly toxic (uncertain) |
| For cats | Toxic (uncertain) | Mildly toxic (uncertain) |
| For children | Toxic | Mildly toxic (uncertain) |
| Typical price | approx. HUF 4,400 | approx. HUF 6,000 |
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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