Photo of Thuja 'Green Giant' by Karl Gercens III

Photo by Karl Gercens III

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Buy Thuja 'Green Giant'

Also Known As

  • Thuja plicata 'Green Giant'
  • Thuja standishii x plicata 'Green Giant'
  • Green Giant Giant Arborvitae
  • Green Giant Western Red Cedar

Plant type

tree, shrub, conifer

size

  • H: 50'-70'
  • W: 15"-25'

planting zones

  • 5a-8b

1 gallon pot | $10.7

Avail in US except West Coast, HI/AK

Fewer than 15 at Maples N More Nursery

3 gallon | $37.45

Avail in US except West Coast, HI/AK

Fewer than 4 at Maples N More Nursery

More Options

Thuja 'Green Giant' plant details

Thuja 'Green Giant' is a fast-growing evergreen conifer shrub or tree with green foliage. Attracts birds. Grows well with sun and even moisture - regular water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant, humidity tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Thuja 'Green Giant'

Plant type: conifer shrub or tree
Plant family: cupressaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 15 IN - 25 FT - wide, 50 FT - 70 FT - tall
Uses: easy-to-grow, hedge, year-round-interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Thuja 'Green Giant'

USDA Zones: 5a - 8b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: heat, humidity and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average and well-drained

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Nursery contributed plant descriptions

An adaptable plant which is useful as a fast-growing screen or lovely specimen tree. This selection is densely attired from tip to toe in deep-green foliage sprays which do not yellow in winter. Unpruned they form narrow pyramidal trees (30-60' tall x 10-15' wide), but can easily be kept more compact with pruning. These are tough, adaptable and fast-growing; in the right conditions they can grow up to 3-4 feet per year! S/M
Green Giant Arborvitae is a fast growing evergreen used as an exceptional hedge, screen or specimen tree. This arborvitae  makes an ideal windbreak due to its snow and wind resistance. Green Giant Arborvitae has dense green foliage that bronzes slightly in winter. If you need larger quantities than we have in stock, please contact us.
Green Giant' is a robust hybrid between the Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) and the Japanese Red Cedar (Thuja standishii) which features dark green foliage and growth rates of 3-4 feet per year. It is popular as a privacy screen replacement for the Leyland Cypress as the Green Giant Arborvitae has far superior disease and drought tolerance, it also has much thicker branches that cover more evenly. 

Unlike the Eastern Arborvitae such as Emerald Green (Thuja occidentalis), the 'Green Giant' hybrid is very deer resistant so the bottom branches won't be chewed during the winter. Plants can be sheared into form but because of their fast growth 'Green Giant' trees are only suitable for locations where they can be allowed to grow at least five feet wide. During the summer the foliage is dark green with lime green growing tips, there is some winter bronzing in cold climates but less than with many closely related species.

Green Giant Arborvitae
Image Source: Commons
Green Giant Arborvitae is an extremely fast-growing evergreen tree that is very popular for growing into hedges. It is a hybrid that has great vigor and tolerance to heat and humidity, making it a great choice for growing in the South. It has almost no disease issues and has some deer resistance as well.
The fast-growing Green Giant Arborvitae thrives in heat and humidity, which makes it an especially popular hedge choice in the regions around the Southern United States. With sturdy evergreen foliage, the tree keeps its color through the winter and looks healthy year-round. There are a number of immediate benefits to choosing the Green Giant Arborvitae for your next hedge: Evergreen throughout the year Tolerates a range of different soil conditions Dense shape works well with casual or regular pruning Grows tall quickly and creates a great privacy screen The Green Giant is a fast-growing arborvitae hybrid that has been promoted as a disease-free substitute for other varieties of cypress, especially in the humid southeastern United States. In the proper growing environment, the tree can grow exceedingly fast, up to 4 feet per year. The Green Giant’s narrow and dense pyramid-shaped habit looks neat even without pruning, but can be maintained as a compact hedge with regular pruning. With slightly upturned horizontal branching and scale-like dark evergreen foliage, the tree makes a great accent in any outdoor space. The durable, tall and quite strong-rooted and Green Giant makes an especially solid screen or windbreak hedge. The Green Giant was introduced to the United States in 1967, when the U.S. National Arboretum planted a specimen sent from a Danish botanist.

By: Instant Hedge

Fast growing evergreen tree with an upright, pyramidal shape. Soft needle foliage is dense and dark green, 'Green Giant' is know to hold its color well in winter. Planted in rows, 'Green Giant' will provide a landscape backdrop or offer a solid living fence for privacy. It may be easily kept compact by pruning for use in hedges.
Green Giant is now considered a hybrid cross between Thuja plicta and Thuja standishii. The plant grows quickly into a broad pyramid 10? tall in ten years. It may reach 30 to 40 feet or more in old age. It has excellent lustrous green color and takes well to shearing. Dirr says that this is the same clone sold as ?Spring Grove?. This was a chance seedling found in Denmark in 1935, but only now finding it?s way into commerce. Awards: Gold Medal from Pennsylvania Horticulural Society.

By: Fantastic Plants

Western Cedar is actually a Giant Arborvitae. In the Northwest, they reach 200' but not here. They will take average soil but to get huge, they need very moist soil. They're often found in canyons or along mountain streams. Oldest tree -- 1460 years! Held in high regard by Natives for healing/spiritual power. Many medicinal uses. Aromatic. A truly grand tree.

By: Lazy S'S Farm Nursery

Gardening facts about Thuja 'Green Giant' plant

How to Grow Thuja 'Green Giant'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Soil Needs

    • adaptable
    • average
    • well-drained
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - regular
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • humidity tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Wildlife

    • birds
  • Foliage Color

    • green
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