Woodward Globe Arborvitae

Woodward Globe Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Woodwardii')

Woodward Globe Arborvitae is a classic, rounded evergreen that adds year-round structure without needing constant trimming. Its dense, soft texture helps foundation beds and front borders look cleaner and more finished in every season. Because it stays compact and naturally mounded, it is easy to fit into smaller landscapes where taller screens would feel too large. Plant it once in a good site, and it becomes a steady green anchor that makes surrounding plants look more intentional.

Distinctive Features

This cultivar forms a dense, globe to broad-mounded shrub with rich green, scale-like foliage held in flattened sprays. The habit is wider than tall over time, and older plants can gradually broaden into a substantial mound if left unpruned. Foliage can take on bronzy to brownish tones in winter, especially in exposed, windy sites, but it still provides reliable evergreen texture. Small cones may appear, but the main appeal is the naturally rounded form and full, soft look.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun to part shade, with best density usually in brighter light.
• Soil: Moist, well-drained soil is ideal, and it tolerates heavier soils when drainage is not stagnant.
• Water: Water regularly during establishment, then water deeply during extended dry periods to prevent stress.
• USDA Zones: 3 to 7.
• Mature Size: Typically about 4 to 6 feet tall and 4 to 8 feet wide, with older plants capable of becoming broader over time.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Use one plant as a low evergreen focal point to anchor the front of a bed with a clean, rounded silhouette.
• Foundation Planting: Place along foundations where the compact height keeps windows and walkways clear.
• Low Hedge: Plant in a short row to create a tidy, evergreen boundary with soft texture.
• Mixed Borders: Pair with flowering shrubs and perennials to add steady structure and contrast through every season.
• Groups and Massing: Repeat in small clusters to create a calm, consistent shape that ties plantings together.

Low Maintenance Care

• Pruning: Minimal pruning is needed, and light shaping is best in late spring if you want a tighter outline.
• Mulching: Mulch the root zone to conserve moisture and buffer temperature swings, keeping mulch a few inches off the stems.
• Watering: Deeply water during heat and drought, especially in the first couple of seasons.
• Fertilizing: Feed in spring only if growth is weak, using a slow-release evergreen fertilizer according to label directions.
• Pest Check: Watch for bagworms and treat early if you see hanging cases or chewed foliage.

Why Choose Woodward Globe Arborvitae?

• Naturally Rounded: Holds a globe to mounded shape with little to no shearing.
• Compact Structure: Adds evergreen form and texture without the size commitment of tall screens.
• Four-Season Presence: Provides steady green texture and winter interest even when the garden is bare.
• Easy to Place: Fits cleanly into foundations, borders, and low hedges where scale matters.
• Deer Pressure Note: Deer may browse arborvitae, so protection is recommended where deer activity is common.

If you want a low, rounded evergreen that keeps beds looking finished year-round, Woodward Globe Arborvitae is a dependable choice. Give it sun for strong density, steady moisture while it establishes, and decent drainage for long-term health. It looks great as a single accent, but it is even better repeated for a calm, structured border. With basic care, it stays dense, tidy, and attractive for years.