Thuja P. ‘Steeplechase’ 3Gal

Latin Name: Thuja standishii × plicata ‘Steeplechase’ (PP16,094)

Common Name: Steeplechase Arborvitae

Zones: 4-8

Height & Spread: 18-20 feet tall (up to 30 feet in some sources), spreading 6-8 feet wide

Descriptive Features: A narrower, shorter, denser sibling of ‘Green Giant’, sharing its hybrid parentage but with finer, more feathery sprays and a fuller habit that is dense right to the tip. Forms a broad, upright pyramidal evergreen of glossy, scale-like, dark green foliage on upswept branches that holds its color through winter. Grows at a medium rate and takes pruning well, though trimming should be limited to the current season’s new growth. A good fit for privacy screens, hedges, and windbreaks on smaller lots, and low enough to plant under power lines. Spaced 5-6 feet apart for a screen, it forms a solid, dense barrier. Best in full sun to part shade, with a little afternoon shade in hot summer climates, in moist, fertile, well-drained soil, and drought-tolerant once established. Protect from drying winter winds, and expect occasional issues with leaf blight, leaf miners, or canker. Deer tend to leave it alone, and birds use the dense branches for cover. An excellent choice for hedges, screens, windbreaks, and vertical accents in full sun to part shade.