Ideas for Enjoyment | Key Characteristics | Care Tips

IDEAS FOR ENJOYING YOUR

Nigra Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis ‘Nigra’ (Black Cedar)

Featuring a full, upright form, Nigra Arborvitae (Black Cedar) is a superb choice for natural fences and hedges. Plant in rows along garden perimeters to create privacy screens, windbreaks or snow fences and define spaces of interest. This easy to care for, hardy variety is a versatile choice for many of your gardening projects.

Key Characteristics of your Nigra Arborvitae

USDA Zones

Zone 3-7

Color

Dark green

Sunlight

Full Sun/Part Shade

Warning

Not for human or animal
consumption

Size

Mature Height: 20-25′ (6-7m)
Mature Width: 8-10′ (2.5-3m)

Growth Habit

Narrow Pyramid

Caring for your Nigra Arborvitae

  • Water your Arb twice weekly the first few months after planting, and then water weekly (about 1 inch of water) for the next year. Once established, make sure they get about 1/2 inch of water weekly, either through rainfall or irrigation. Too little water will cause the foliage to turn yellow or brown, while excessive water may cause needle discoloration and root rot.
  • Arbs like moist but well-drained soil that is mildly acidic to mildly alkaline.
  • Grow in full sun to partial shade. Arbs generally need at least 6 hours of sun daily; too little sunlight will make the plants sparse and leggy.
  • This plant normally does not need feeding. However, if new growth is very sparse or slow, feeding with a balanced fertilizer containing all major nutrients is recommended.
  • Light pruning in the early spring can help ‘Nigra’ remain neat and foster thicker growth. Prune to maintain the natural shape of the shrub—wider at the bottom and tapering inward toward the top. This is one of the arborvitae cultivars that is sometimes pruned to form spiral topiaries.
  • To prune, trim the leafy parts of the branch and do not cut back to bare wood. Dead or diseased branches should be removed to prevent decay and improve air circulation.