Chinese Arborvitae Data Sheet

• Common name: Chinese arborvitae

• Latin name: Thuja orientalis

• Genus: Cupressaceae

• Height: 10 m (33 ft)

• Type: Evergreen

• Hardiness: Zone 5–8

• Conservation status: Near threatened

Thuja orientalis, commonly known as the Chinese Arborvitae, is a conifer native to Asia. Its range extends across mainly China.

This tree is generally found at low to medium altitudes, mostly from 200 m (656 ft) to 2,400 m (7,870 ft).

The Chinese Arborvitae is a small evergreen conifer, reaching a height of 10 m (33 ft). The trunk can be pale brown or dark brown and reach 40 cm diameter. The leaves / needles are scale like. The cones are pale blue and 20 mm in diameter.

It can live up to 150 years.

The Chinese arborvitae is closely related to the American and Japanese Arborvitae, which all share many of its characteristics.

This species is the perfect landscaping tree for gardens of all sizes due to its small size. Can be container grown and used to form a wind break.

Pre Germination

These seeds need no pretreatment or stratification before sowing. Fill trays or pots with quality compost and firm down gently. Spread seeds across the surface; around 25 in a 10 cm pot is ideal. Cover with 3 mm of compost and gently firm down.

Keep compost damp, not soaking wet or dried out. Place pots or trays on a warm windowsill or in a warm conservatory. Germination should occur at 1–3 weeks.

Post Germination

Once seedlings appear, keep them in a bright, well-ventilated area such as a windowsill to avoid damping off disease. Ensure seedlings never dry out or become waterlogged. These seedlings are large and sturdy and will give you little hassle. They can be separated into 4" pots at 15–20 weeks; by this stage they are frost hardy and can stay outside. Fertilization is not required up to this point. During spring and summer we advise using an NPK 10-10-10 fertilizer every 4 weeks.

CAUTION: Slugs and snails love juicy young pines and spruce.

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