Which arborvitae is best in shade
Ava Lawson
Published Apr 30, 2026
The American arborvitae cultivar “Emerald” or “Smaragd” (Thuja occidentalis “Smaragd”) is adapted to partial shade, and does well as a hedge plant, growing to heights of up to 14 feet. It is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 2 through 8.
Which evergreens do well in shade?
- Aucuba.
- Boxwood.
- Hemlock (Canada and Carolina varieties)
- Leucothoe (Coast and Drooping species)
- Dwarf Bamboo.
- Dwarf Chinese Holly.
- Dwarf Nandina.
- Arborvitae (Emerald, Globe, and Techny varieties)
Why is my Green Giant Arborvitae not growing?
If your Thuja ‘Green Giant’ is growing poorly, turning to reddish brown foliage, and seems to be dying, it could be root rot caused by soggy or saturated soil conditions. Let the soil line get a little dry between waterings. Water in the mornings so the soil has time to dry out during the day.
Can I plant emerald green arborvitae in shade?
Emerald Green Arborvitae thrive in full sun but can grow in partial shade as well. Too much shade will lead to sparse growth. To flourish, these trees need at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.What hedge grows in full shade?
- Hicks Yew (Taxus x media ‘Hicksii’)
- European Beech (Fagus sylvatica) …
- Green Giant Arborvitae (Thuja x ‘Green Giant’) & Virescens Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata ‘Virescens’) …
- Teton Firethorn (Pyracantha ‘Teton’) …
- Schip laurel (Prunus laurocerasus ‘Schipkaensis’) …
Can Nandina grow in shade?
Nandina can grow in full sun to shade and a range of soil types, but it prefers moist, well-drained, fertile soil. It is adaptable to extremes of soil and exposure and it relatively pest and disease free.
What hedging grows in shade?
Laurel Cherry, Yew English, Leylandii Green and Hawthorn are fantastic choices for hedging plants suitable for shade.
Can pyracantha grow in shade?
Pyracantha is suitable for any moderately fertile garden soil in sun or partial shade, including very dry, free-draining soils, and heavy clays, as long as they are not prone to waterlogging. Berrying can be reduced in shady sites, including against north-facing walls.What is a fast growing shade tree?
- Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides) …
- Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra) …
- Northern Catalpa (Catalpa speciosa) …
- Red Sunset Maple (Acer rubrum ‘Franksred’) …
- Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) …
- Pin Oak (Quercus palustris) …
- River Birch (Betula nigra) …
- Sawtooth Oak (Quercus acutissima)
Green Giants have large, wide bases and grow narrower towards the top, giving them a pyramidal shape that causes them to look like giant Christmas Trees. Emerald Green Thujas have a brighter green glow, which causes them to shine with a bright green hue in the sunlight.
Article first time published onHow wide do Green Giant arborvitae get?
The green giant arborvitae grows to a height of 50–60′ and a spread of 12–20′ at maturity.
How far from a fence should I plant a Thuja Green Giant?
If your screen or hedge is against a building, plant 6 feet from the wall, to protect the foundations. If you are planting against a fence, plant 3 feet from the fence so that the lower part of the plants remains bushy and the hedge remains on your side of the property line.
How long does arborvitae take to establish?
Emerald Green Arborvitae are a type of evergreen that grows at a relatively slow rate, less than one foot per year. Once established, they usually grow about 6-9 inches a year. These evergreens and can take 10-15 years to reach their mature height of 10 to 15 feet. They have a spread of around 3-4 feet at maturity.
How close to a fence can you plant arborvitae?
Due to its tall height and expansive branches, many people like to plant this variety along fence lines to create privacy. Planting it about eight to ten feet from any structure is the ideal distance. This ensures the arborvitae can reach maximum width without damaging your house or fence.
How do you make green giants grow faster?
- 1 – Plant Them at the Right Time of the Year. …
- 2 – Plant Them in Acidic Soil. …
- 3 – Choose the Right Type of Arborvitae. …
- 4 – Plant Them Correctly. …
- 5 – Care for Them Properly During Winter Time. …
- 6 – Make Sure You Water Them Properly.
Will privet hedges grow in the shade?
Privet will grow almost anywhere. It’s able to cope with sea winds, full sun, partial shade, light, dry and sandy soil.
Can you grow Holly in shade?
Most hollies prefer full sun and well-drained, slightly acidic soils. Some species will grow in shade but will produce less fruit. Hollies are relatively pest-free, but some do suffer from winter die-back.
What boxwoods do well in shade?
A native of Japan, Japanese boxwood – also called the Little-Leaf Boxwood – grows in both sun and shade but can become brown in winter if sited in full sun. They don’t hold their color as well as the English and American boxwoods, and their leaves are more rounded.
What is partial shade?
“Partial sun” or “partial shade” means that the plant needs 3-6 hours of direct sun per day. The terms sometimes are used interchangeably. … “Partial sun” usually implies that the plant needs more sun and is more heat tolerant. “Partial shade” implies that the plant should be protected from the sun during the afternoon.
Does pyracantha make a good hedge?
Pyracantha makes an excellent hedge. The shrub can also be used as a barrier or as cover for slopes in hot, dry areas. Pyracantha grows well in containers. It is not recommended for planting around the foundation of a single story building, because it grows too large, too fast.
Do laurels grow in the shade?
Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) and Portugal Laurel (Prunus lusitanica) are probably the best hedging plants to grow in shade. They tolerate shade well and are often planted under tree canopies in large estate gardens. All types of laurel will also grow well in full sun.
How much sun do nandina bushes need?
Nandina is known for its hardiness and ability to flourish in full sun, partial shade or full shade. While planting the shrub in full shade may be conducive to your landscaping plans, note that nandina planted in full shade will not produce the bright colors that result from growing in full sun.
Which is the best nandina?
One of the most popular varieties to grow is Nandina domestica ‘Fire power’ which as the name suggests has strong autumn/winter colour and a largish shrub which will reach 1.5m . To get berries the shrub needs a good amount of sun and warmth and so performs better during good summers.
Do Nandinas like full sun?
Nandina are suitable for a full sun to part shade position in the garden with well drained soils. The foliage will display better colours when grown in a full sun.
What is the cleanest shade tree?
- Red Maple. Maple trees are ideal for providing shade and shape to any yard. …
- Flowering Dogwood. …
- Raywood Ash. …
- Fruitless Mulberry. …
- American Hornbeam. …
- Japanese Zelkova. …
- Sweetbay Magnolia. …
- Fruitless Olive Trees.
What is a fast growing evergreen shade tree?
Leyland Cypress One of the fastest-growing evergreens, the Leyland cypress, or cupressus x leylandii, will grow up to four feet per year. This tree is frequently used for privacy screening in landscaping, as it can get up to 100 feet tall and 20 feet wide in optimal conditions.
What is a fast growing tree for privacy?
What are the fastest-growing trees for privacy? Hybrid poplar tops the list. It can grow upwards of five feet per year. The Leyland cypress, green giant arborvitae, and silver maple are all close seconds because they add about two feet to their height each year.
Is there a thornless pyracantha?
Cotoneaster is the gentler sister of Pyracantha – it is thornless and therefore sometimes chosen over Pyracantha by those who want the beauty without the bite! Both plants can be grown as hedges, groundcover or against walls and fences; they look equally good as freestanding shrubs.
Does pyracantha need a trellis?
Not only that, it tolerates some shade and grows in most soils, including dry ones. Training Pyracantha allows us to grow it in a relatively small space. There should be a framework of wire or trellis in place prior to planting.
When should I plant pyracantha?
Plant pyracantha in autumn, during mild spells in winter, or early spring. For growing against walls or fences, plant the rootball 30-40cm away and lean the plant onto its support, to avoid the rain shadow at the base. For hedging, space plants 50cm apart in a single row.
Is Thuja Green Giant the same as arborvitae Green Giant?
While different suppliers may refer to this tree as Arborvitae “Green Giant” or Thuja “Green Giant,” they are the same species. … This tall, narrow tree makes an excellent privacy screen or specimen planting. It grows 1 to 3 feet per year once established.