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.

Growth Habit

Shoot growth usually starts in February and continues until September. Yearly height increases of 0.4–0.8 ft are common beyond season 3.

These were sown this year. Plants are 2–3" tall.

Saplings are in pots. I recommend they are separated into their own 4" pots when you receive them. Growth rate is medium, plants can be kept in a cool conservatory, windowsill or outside over the winter months.

Fully hardy off to minus 18°C or colder come autumn.

Care Instructions

Keep free from competing weeds and never allow to completely dry out. Water logging should also be avoided. Trees will perform best raised outdoors in full sunny position. The growth rate is medium and will soon need re-potting to beyond a 10" pot. Once the trees reach around 1 ft high they can be set in their final planting position.

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