Nigra Arborvitae
Nigra Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Nigra')
Nigra Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Nigra') is a vigorous, upright evergreen prized for its dense foliage, rich dark green color, and reliable year-round performance. Also called Dark American Arborvitae, this hardy selection retains its deep hue even in winter, making it ideal for privacy, screening, and vertical structure in cold climates.
Distinctive Features
This fast-growing pyramidal arborvitae matures 20 to 30 feet tall and 6 to 10 feet wide, forming a lush column of soft, fan-like foliage. Its deep green color holds better through winter than many other varieties, and its uniform, full form requires little pruning to maintain. Nigra�s dense texture and strong vertical lines make it a standout for hedging or tall accents in the landscape.
Growing Conditions
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to light shade
- Soil Type: Moist, well-drained loam or sandy soil
- Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
- Water Needs: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 7
Ideal Uses
- Privacy Screens: Creates dense, living walls along property lines
- Windbreaks: Provides year-round protection in exposed sites
- Background Plantings: Frames garden beds and mixed borders
- Formal Accents: Adds vertical structure to structured garden designs
- Commercial Landscapes: A reliable screen for parking lots and urban sites
Low Maintenance Care
Nigra Arborvitae offers lasting structure and color with minimal upkeep.
- Watering: Deeply water during extended dry periods to prevent browning
- Mulching: Apply mulch to retain soil moisture and insulate roots
- Pruning: Requires little pruning; lightly trim only if shaping is desired
- Fertilizing: Feed with a balanced evergreen fertilizer in early spring
- Wildlife Protection: Monitor for deer in high-browse areas
Why Choose Nigra Arborvitae?
Nigra Arborvitae combines rich color, fast growth, and cold hardiness, making it a versatile solution for year-round privacy and structure.
- Deep Green Foliage: Maintains rich color through all seasons
- Fast Growing: Quickly establishes tall, dense screens
- Cold Hardy: Performs reliably in northern climates
- Low Maintenance: Naturally dense form needs minimal care
- Architectural Presence: Adds bold vertical structure to any landscape
For lasting color, privacy, and structure, Nigra Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Nigra') is a dependable evergreen choice for both residential and commercial landscapes.
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