DeGroot's Spire Arborvitae

DeGroot's Spire Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Degroot's Spire')

DeGroot's Spire Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Degroot's Spire') is a narrow, upright evergreen prized for its dense, twisted foliage and naturally columnar shape. Also known as DeGroot's Spire White Cedar, this slow-growing cultivar of Eastern Arborvitae is an excellent choice for adding vertical structure, symmetry, and year-round greenery to gardens, entryways, and formal landscapes.

Distinctive Features

DeGroot's Spire Arborvitae forms a tall, slender silhouette, typically reaching 10 to 20 feet high and 3 to 5 feet wide at maturity. Its rich green, scale-like foliage twists slightly along the branchlets, adding subtle texture and depth. This variety holds its color well through winter and requires little pruning to maintain its tidy, formal shape, making it ideal for structured plantings and tight spaces.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Type: Moist, well-drained soil
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
• Water Needs: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture, especially when young
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 7

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Adds vertical emphasis to foundation plantings, courtyards, or entryways
• Privacy Screen: Creates a narrow evergreen screen in urban or confined spaces
• Formal Accents: Perfect for lining paths, driveways, or garden axes
• Mixed Borders: Provides vertical contrast among rounded or spreading shrubs
• Container Planting: Suitable for large planters to frame patios or terraces

Low Maintenance Care

DeGroot's Spire Arborvitae is a hardy and low-maintenance evergreen that thrives with minimal care once established.

• Watering: Water regularly during dry spells, especially while establishing
• Mulching: Apply mulch around the base to conserve soil moisture and regulate temperature
• Pruning: Requires little to no pruning; trim lightly only to shape if needed
• Fertilizing: Feed in early spring with a slow-release evergreen fertilizer
• Winter Care: Protect from drying winter winds in exposed sites

Why Choose DeGroot's Spire Arborvitae?

DeGroot's Spire Arborvitae combines a stately, architectural form with reliable hardiness and ease of care, making it a versatile and elegant choice for a wide range of landscape designs.

• Elegant Form: Tall, narrow shape fits well in tight planting areas
• Unique Texture: Twisted foliage adds depth and interest
• Cold Hardy: Performs well even in northern climates
• Low Maintenance: Naturally holds its formal shape with little care
• Year-Round Appeal: Provides consistent color and structure through all seasons

For gardeners seeking a striking, space-saving evergreen, DeGroot's Spire Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Degroot's Spire') offers dependable performance and refined beauty.