White Cedar, Eastern Arborvitae, American Arborvitae 'DeGroots Spire'

I have 3 of these in 3 containers in a sheltered corner on a deck that gets sun from around 8/9 until 2/3. They're going into their 4th s...Read Moreummer. I'm sure if I repotted larger they would grow at least another foot by fall.

They grow naturally in an almost spiral design which I trim minimally just to enhance the natural curve. They are a stunning group. I can see them all the time from inside my 3rd floor apartment. Don't hesitate to get add some to your deck.

This is Zone 6B(?) Pacific NW Coast, Vancouver Canada.

This is the narrowest columnar evergreen I know. It's the only one I know that's hardy in Boston (Z6a) and narrow enough to pass for an I...Read Moretalian cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) at first glance.

This is slower growing than most other arborvitae. Its foliage has a different texture, and it seems to shed snow and ice better. I'd still tie up multitrunked specimens for the winter.

Under good conditions, it can still grow a foot per year, and it doesn't suddenly stop growing when it gets tall. It can easily get 25' tall and 4' wide.

I'm skeptical of the above claim that this cultivar is hardy north of Z3, or that it's any more tolerant of hot humid summers south of Z7 in the southeastern US.

This cultivar will not come true from seed, and must be propagated by cuttings.

Added: I see a new cultivar, 'SMTOBP’ (US PP25700 P2) whose patent application claims narrower habit, more vigorous growth, and greater hardiness than 'Degroot's Spire'. It's been marketed under the trademark 'Skywalker'.

The slow compact growth of 'Degroot's Spire' means that the plants are much more stout and less likely to bend than most thujas, which ar...Read Moree generally lax and prone to heading over in wind and wet.

mine are on thier 2nd year in full sun and lots of wind and totally beautiful. no wind burn or die back.slow growing and inch or 2 per year