Sugar and Spice™ Arborvitae

Easy to grow and requiring next to no annual pruning, Sugar and Spice Arborvitae is a great choice for hedging on narrow urban lots. The solid green foliage and narrow vertical shape make Thuja plicata Sugar and Spice™ a versatile choice for small gardens or an existing hedge plan. The cinnamon-colored stems and dense, ferny foliage stand up to hot and humid weather while providing year-round color and interest. Arborvitaes are exceptionally resistant to all of the most disliked pests in the garden. Deer and rabbits do not like to browse on the scented and tough foliage. Diseases are rarely an issue when this shrub is planted in ideal conditions and not overfertilized. Place this upright grower in any spot that needs a backdrop of green or a contrast in foliage shape or size. Sugar and Spice Arborvitae Care Plant Sugar and Spice in well-draining soil and full sun, although arborvitaes will tolerate partial shade better than many other evergreen trees. This evergreen grows well in average garden soil. Water consistently for the first season or two until the shrubs are well established. Mulch annually with shredded leaves, arborist chips, or other organic material to aid in moisture retention and help suppress weeds during the growing season. Sugar and Spice develops a naturally attractive shape and does not require regular pruning. The dense foliage covers the trunk from top to bottom, leaving no awkward gaps. Container-grown arborvitaes require fertilizing with a slow-release feed once a year in the early spring. Choose a balanced formula to support even growth and a strong root system. Sugar and Spice Arborvitae Spacing Plant each arborvitae 30 inches apart to create a dense hedge. Space plants up to 4 feet apart when planting as a specimen in a garden border. This spacing will provide good air circulation and room for a healthy root system. Sugar and Spice grows well for many years in a container with at least a 20-gallon capacity or a 20-inch diameter.