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Arborvitae can be grown in containers and it’s a fantastic option for gardeners with limited space.
If you’ve been wondering can arborvitae be grown in containers, the answer is a definite yes with the right care.
Growing arborvitae in containers allows you to enjoy these evergreen beauties on patios, balconies, or small yards.
Many homeowners successfully grow arborvitae in pots because these plants are adaptable and resilient.
In this post, we will cover why arborvitae can be grown in containers, the best varieties to choose, and how to care for them.
Let’s dive into the world of container-grown arborvitae.
Why Arborvitae Can Be Grown in Containers
Arborvitae can be grown in containers because they have a fibrous root system that adapts well to confined spaces.
These plants are naturally slow-growing, which means they won’t outgrow a pot too quickly.
When you grow arborvitae in containers, their roots stay manageable and don’t become root-bound if you choose the right pot size.
Arborvitae are also incredibly hardy, tolerating various climates and soil conditions.
Here’s why growing arborvitae in pots works so well:
1. Slow Growth Rate Makes Container Life Easy
Arborvitae have a naturally slow to moderate growth rate, typically adding just 6 to 12 inches per year.
This slow pace means arborvitae in containers require less frequent repotting than faster-growing evergreens.
You can keep them in the same container for several years before needing to upgrade.
This makes arborvitae an ideal choice for container gardening.
2. Compact and Columnar Forms
Many arborvitae varieties naturally grow in a columnar or pyramidal shape.
These forms fit perfectly in containers without taking up excessive horizontal space.
Varieties like Emerald Green arborvitae are especially suited for pots because they stay narrow.
When you grow arborvitae in containers, you can even control the ultimate height through pruning.
3. Evergreen Appeal Year-Round
Arborvitae keep their foliage green through all four seasons.
This means your container arborvitae provide structure and color even in winter.
No deciduous mess to clean up in autumn.
It’s a low-maintenance way to add privacy and beauty to patios or entrances.
Best Arborvitae Varieties for Container Growing
Not all arborvitae are equally suited for containers, but many excellent options exist.
Choosing the right variety is crucial if you want to successfully grow arborvitae in containers.
Here are the top picks for container arborvitae:
1. Emerald Green Arborvitae
Emerald Green is the most popular arborvitae for containers because of its narrow, upright habit.
It reaches about 10 to 15 feet tall in the ground but stays shorter in a pot.
This variety thrives in containers with minimal pruning.
If you want to grow arborvitae in containers for privacy, Emerald Green is a top choice.
2. Little Giant Dwarf Arborvitae
Little Giant is a true dwarf variety that forms a compact globe shape.
It only grows 3 to 4 feet tall and wide, perfect for small pots.
This arborvitae in a container works beautifully as an accent on a balcony.
Its dense foliage doesn’t require any shearing to stay tidy.
3. Techny Arborvitae
Techny arborvitae is a versatile, cold-hardy choice for larger containers.
It grows wider than Emerald Green but can handle heavy pruning.
If you have a large pot and want a full, layered look, grow arborvitae in containers with Techny.
It’s also resistant to deer and insects, reducing pest issues.
How to Successfully Grow Arborvitae in Containers
Growing arborvitae in containers requires attention to soil, watering, and placement.
Follow these tips to ensure your container arborvitae thrive:
1. Use the Right Pot and Soil
Choose a container with drainage holes that is at least 18 inches wide and deep.
Larger pots help the soil stay cooler and retain moisture longer.
Use a well-draining potting mix designed for evergreens, not garden soil.
When you grow arborvitae in containers, avoid heavy clay pots that may crack in freeze-thaw cycles.
2. Water Consistently but Don’t Overwater
Arborvitae in containers need regular watering, especially during hot summers.
Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger an inch deep.
Water deeply when the top inch feels dry, but never let the pot sit in standing water.
Overwatering can cause root rot, which is the most common killer of container arborvitae.
In winter, water sparingly because the plant is dormant.
3. Provide Adequate Sunlight
Arborvitae need at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
Place your container in a spot that receives morning sun and some afternoon shade in hot climates.
If you grow arborvitae in containers in full shade, they will become sparse and leggy.
Rotate the pot occasionally to ensure even growth on all sides.
4. Fertilize Lightly in Spring
Use a slow-release evergreen fertilizer in early spring.
Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can force rapid, weak growth.
When you grow arborvitae in containers, nutrients leach out faster than in ground soil.
A balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer applied once in spring is usually sufficient.
5. Protect from Winter Stress
Container arborvitae roots are more exposed to cold than in-ground plants.
Wrap the pot with burlap or bubble wrap in areas with harsh winters.
Move the container to a sheltered location, such as against a wall.
You can also group pots together to trap warmth.
Arborvitae can be grown in containers even in cold climates with these safeguards.
So, Can Arborvitae Be Grown in Containers?
Arborvitae can be grown in containers with the right variety and proper care.
Yes, arborvitae can be grown in containers and they make excellent patio plants.
By selecting compact cultivars, using a large pot with good drainage, and watering consistently, you can enjoy arborvitae in containers for many years.
Whether you’re adding evergreen structure to a small space or creating a living privacy screen, growing arborvitae in containers is a rewarding and manageable project.
Hope this guide helps you successfully grow arborvitae in containers.