Thuja Sting™ Arborvitae

A Proven Winners® ColorChoice® Flowering Shrubs variety, Thuja Sting™ is a native evergreen tree offering year-round interest. Combining dramatic architecture with versatility and utility, this tall tree is naturally narrow with no pruning. It maintains a small footprint, less than 2 square feet, which allows it to be planted just about anywhere.

A Thuja occidentalis, commonly known as American arborvitae or Northern or Eastern white cedar, Sting is a woody plant with a dense, upright, columnar habit and a fast growth rate. Sting adds a unique structural element to foundation plantings, mixed beds, and borders. It also works well as a specimen in the garden or as the "thriller" (focal point) in a container garden, and it's an excellent choice for screening and hedges.

Easy to grow and maintain, Thuja Sting grows best in sunny to partly sunny locations with moist, well-draining loams. It tolerates a wide range of soils, including clay, but is intolerant of dry conditions. Although little to no pruning is required, any desired pruning should be done in late spring after the new growth has emerged. Cutting into thick stems can leave unsightly scars and recovery is typically slow.

A native plant, Sting is indigenous to North America. Native plants are not only beautiful but also environmentally friendly. Naturally adapted to the climate and soil conditions of the region, they thrive without fertilizers or extra watering, once established. They also act as natural pest controls, reducing the need for pesticides in the garden. Landscaping with native plants promotes biodiversity and provides shelter and quality food for wildlife and pollinators, bringing gardens to life.

Although Thuja display strong deer resistance, hungry deer may still browse on young trees. Providing protection during food shortages is recommended.