Cedar 'Little Giant' Globe

Sheridan Nurseries Ltd.

$44.99
Title

Add a touch of structured elegance with the "Little Giant"—the "mini-me" of the arborvitae world. This charming dwarf conifer naturally grows into a tight, globe-shaped ball that looks professionally manicured without ever needing a pair of shears. Its fine-textured, fan-like sprays of forest-green foliage create a soft, velvety appearance that stays lush and vibrant year-round, offering a dependable pop of green even in the heart of winter.

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Plant Details

Mature Size:

4-6' H x 4-6' W

Zone:

2-8

Watering:

Medium to High

Foliage Type:

Evergreen

Growth Rate:

Slow

Light:

Full Sun/Partial Shade

Plant Profile

Common Names:

Little Giant Arborvitae, Little Giant Cedar, Dwarf Globe Arborvitae, Little Giant American Arborvitae

Scientific Name:

Thuja occidentalis 'Little Giant'

Type:

Ornamental Dwarf Evergreen Shrub

Growth Details:

  • Mature Size: Typically reaches 4–6 feet tall and wide.
  • Growth Habit / Form: Dense, multi-stemmed, and naturally rounded/globose.
  • Growth Rate: Slow.
  • Longevity: Can be expected to live for approximately 30 years under ideal conditions.

Environmental Needs:

  • Exposure: Full sun to partial shade; prefers a location sheltered from harsh, drying winter winds.
  • Soil Preferences: Prefers organic-rich, moist, well-drained loams.
  • Soil Tolerance: Highly adaptable to most soil types and pH levels, including clay and sandy loam.
  • Watering: High moisture needs initially; once established, maintain average to moist conditions.

Special Features:

Native selection (derived from North American species), Pollution Tolerant (suitable for urban gardens), and Verticillium Wilt Resistant.

Care Guide

Ornamental & Landscape Value

Seasonal Interest:

  • Bloom: Not ornamentally significant.
  • Fall/Winter Colour: Holds its rich green colour well through winter, though it may take on a slightly paler or bronze tint in extreme cold.
  • Bark: Reddish-brown, though typically obscured by dense foliage.

Garden Value:

A versatile "filler" for foundation plantings, rock gardens, and low hedges. Because it fills out right to the ground, it works beautifully as a standalone accent or in mass plantings without needing "facer" plants in front.

Wildlife & Human Value:

  • Wildlife Value: Attracts birds and butterflies; provides excellent year-round cover for small wildlife. Note: Deer find the foliage attractive and may browse it in winter.
  • Human Value: Provides a reliable, year-round "architectural" structure to the garden with almost zero effort; ideal for small-scale residential landscapes. 

Planting & Care Guide

Planting Considerations:

  • Best Time To Plant: Spring or early fall.
  • Spacing: Space 3–5 feet apart depending on whether you want individual globes or a continuous low hedge.
  • Location Tips: Safe for planting under power lines due to its short stature. Ensure the planting hole is twice as wide as the root ball to encourage outward root growth.

Care:

  • Light: Thrives in full sun (at least 6 hours) but will accept partial shade.
  • Moisture: Requires consistent moisture; do not allow the soil to dry out completely.
  • Maintenance: Exceptionally low maintenance. Minimal pruning is required, though it can be lightly sheared in early spring if a specific geometric shape is desired.
  • Fertilization: Apply a slow-release evergreen or tree and shrub fertilizer in early spring to support healthy new growth.

Tolerances:

Urban pollution and various soil pH levels; low tolerance for drought and salt spray.

Tips For Success:

Mulch heavily (2–3 inches) around the base to keep shallow roots cool and retain moisture. In exposed or very cold areas, a burlap wrap in winter can prevent "winter burn" from drying winds.

Fruit Profile