Images Depict Mature Plants
Little Giant Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Little Giant'
Little Giant Arborvitae is one of those shrubs that makes landscape planning simpler. It stays compact, keeps a naturally rounded shape, and holds its green color well through winter, which already makes it very useful. The deer resistance makes it even more valuable for homeowners who want a dependable evergreen that looks good and solves a real problem at the same time.
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A Compact Evergreen Shrub with Year-Round Structure
A Small Evergreen That Stays Neat and Useful
Little Giant Arborvitae is one of the most practical evergreen shrubs for homeowners who want year-round structure without taking up too much space. Its naturally rounded globe shape makes it especially easy to use in foundation beds, borders, and smaller landscape pockets where a taller or wider evergreen would feel out of proportion.
This shrub helps a landscape feel finished right away. It brings steady color, tidy structure, and a dependable evergreen presence without asking for much in return.
Rich Green Foliage That Holds Well Through Winter
One of the biggest reasons to plant Little Giant Arborvitae is the foliage. The dense, deep green growth keeps the shrub looking full and polished through the growing season and is especially valued for holding its color well through winter.
That steady evergreen color gives the plant real value in the landscape. Even when flowering perennials and deciduous shrubs have gone dormant, Little Giant continues to anchor the bed and keep the garden looking intentional.
A Naturally Rounded Habit with Minimal Pruning
Little Giant Arborvitae is especially appealing because of its form. It naturally develops into a compact globe shape, which means homeowners can enjoy a clean, rounded shrub without needing constant trimming to keep it looking neat.
That easy-care habit is one of the plant’s strongest selling points. It gives the landscape a more formal, structured look, without the maintenance burden that many clipped evergreens require.
Perfect for Foundations, Borders, and Low Hedges
Little Giant Arborvitae works beautifully in foundation plantings, along walkways, in mixed evergreen borders, and as a low hedge or repeating accent. Its smaller mature size makes it especially useful for defining an edge or softening the front of a larger planting bed.
Because it stays relatively compact, it is a strong choice for residential landscapes where space is limited, but homeowners still want an evergreen structure. It provides shape and consistency without overwhelming nearby plants.
Deer Resistant, Easy to Grow, and Landscape Friendly
Little Giant Arborvitae also brings practical value beyond ornament. It is widely considered deer-resistant and is generally easy to grow in sunny locations with good drainage, which makes it especially useful in landscapes where homeowners want beauty and reliability together.
For homeowners who want a compact evergreen shrub with a globe-shaped form, strong winter color, and dependable deer resistance, Little Giant Arborvitae is an excellent choice. It offers easy-care beauty, evergreen presence, and broad landscape versatility in one hardworking plant.
| Hardiness Zone: | 3-8 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 3 to 4 Feet |
| Mature Width: | 3 to 4 Feet |
| Sunlight: | Full sun |
| Soil | Well-drained soil |
| Water | Moderate; water regularly during establishment |
| Bloom Time / Color | Conifer; grown for foliage |
| Ornamental Features | Dense deep green foliage, compact globe shape, strong winter color retention |
| Wildlife Value | Provides evergreen cover and shelter value |
| Resistance (deer/disease/drought/etc.) | Deer resistant; easy care; some drought tolerance once established |
| Landscape Uses | Foundation planting, low hedge, border shrub, evergreen accent, formal or informal garden edging |
How to Care for Little Giant Arborvitae
Once you buy an Emerald Petite Arborvitae, read the care instructions and recommendations to keep it healthy and thriving.
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How should I plant Little Giant Arborvitae?
Plant Little Giant Arborvitae in a full sun location with well-drained soil. Dig a hole about twice as wide as the root ball and no deeper than the root ball itself, then set the shrub so the top of the root ball sits level with or slightly above the surrounding soil. This helps support healthy root establishment and reduces the chance of planting too deeply. Backfill with native soil, water thoroughly, and mulch around the base to help retain moisture and reduce weeds. Keep mulch a few inches away from the stems. If planting in a row or border, leave enough room for the rounded shape to develop naturally.
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How often should I water Little Giant Arborvitae after planting?
Water Little Giant Arborvitae deeply right after planting, then continue watering regularly during the establishment period. In most landscapes, that means a deep soaking about once or twice per week depending on rainfall, heat, and soil drainage. The goal is evenly moist soil while the shrub builds a strong root system. Once established, this arborvitae becomes easier to manage and can handle short dry periods better than many newly planted evergreens. Deep watering is much better than frequent shallow watering because it encourages stronger roots and better long-term performance.
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When should I fertilize Little Giant Arborvitae?
Fertilize Little Giant Arborvitae only if needed, especially if growth appears weak or the soil is poor. If feeding is necessary, early spring is usually the best time to apply compost or a balanced slow-release fertilizer to support healthy new growth. Avoid overfeeding healthy plants. In many landscapes, proper sun exposure, good drainage, and consistent watering during establishment matter more than aggressive fertilization. The goal is balanced growth, dense foliage, and healthy evergreen color.
When and how should I prune Little Giant Arborvitae?
Little Giant Arborvitae needs very little pruning because it naturally holds a rounded globe shape. If cleanup or shaping is needed, late spring is usually the best time for light trimming once new growth has begun to settle. Avoid heavy cutting into older inner wood. Light, selective pruning is usually all that is needed to keep the plant tidy and preserve the natural form that makes this shrub so easy to use.
