Evergreens are a staple in landscaping, providing year-round beauty and structure. However, distinguishing between different evergreen genera can be challenging. Among the most common are Thuja and Juniper. Both are favored for their dense foliage and versatility, yet they have distinct characteristics that set them apart. This blog will delve into the key differences between Thuja and Juniper, focusing on their appearance, growth habits, and care requirements.
Appearance And Growth Habits
Thuja:
Thuja, commonly known as arborvitae, is celebrated for its elegant, pyramid-like shape and dense, scale-like foliage. Several popular varieties include Thuja Green Giant, American Pillar Arborvitae, Thuja Can Can, and Baby Giant Arborvitae.
●Thuja Green Giant: Known for its rapid growth and tall, slender form, Thuja Green Giant can reach heights of up to 30 feet and spread 8 to 9 feet wide. This variety excels in creating privacy hedges or windbreaks and maintains its lush green color year-round. It is highly resilient and disease-resistant, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance landscaping. Additionally, its resistance to pests and diseases further enhances its suitability for diverse climates.
●American Pillar Arborvitae: This variety is a fast-growing, space-saving thuja that grows quickly at a rate of 3 to 4 feet per year. It features a narrow, upright shape, making it suitable for tight spaces where privacy is needed without occupying too much room. Its upright form and dense foliage make it an ideal choice for creating vertical accents in a garden or landscape.
●Thuja Can Can: Often referred to as “Green Giant’s Little Sister,” Thuja Can Can is a semi-dwarf variety that grows to about 12-15 feet tall and 4-5 feet wide. Its dense foliage provides privacy and visual interest without overwhelming smaller spaces.
●Baby Giant Arborvitae: This variety offers the same lush greenery as larger thuja types but on a smaller scale, making it ideal for limited spaces. It typically grows to around 6-8 feet in height and width, providing a manageable option for smaller gardens or as a decorative element in larger landscapes.
Juniper:
●Juniperus communis: Also known as the Common Juniper, this species has a more shrub-like appearance and is often used as ground cover or low hedges. It features sharp, needle-like leaves and produces small, bluish berries, which can add a unique touch to the landscape.
●Juniperus chinensis: This species includes several ornamental varieties, such as 'Skyrocket' and 'Pfitzeriana.' 'Skyrocket' is a narrow, columnar juniper ideal for creating vertical accents, while 'Pfitzeriana' is more spreading and can be used as ground cover. Both varieties offer distinctive appearances and growth habits that cater to different landscaping needs.
●Juniperus sabina: Commonly known as the Savin Juniper, this variety has a spreading habit and is often used in low-maintenance landscapes. Its foliage ranges from dark green to blue-green and has a distinctive aroma, making it a popular choice for both its visual and sensory appeal.
Comparison Of Care Requirements: Thuja Vs. Junipers
Sunlight Requirements
Both Thuja and Junipers thrive in full sun to partial shade, though Junipers are particularly noted for their preference for full sun to achieve dense foliage. In terms of soil, both types are adaptable, but Thuja prefers a wider range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils, while Junipers are suited to sandy, loamy, and rocky soils and prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH.Watering Requirements
Watering needs for both are relatively similar: both are drought-tolerant once established. Thuja benefits from regular watering during dry spells, especially when young, while Junipers also need consistent moisture during establishment and deep watering during dry periods, with a caution against overwatering.Pruning Requirements
When it comes to pruning, both Thuja and Junipers require minimal maintenance. Thuja needs light pruning to maintain shape and remove dead branches, while Junipers may require occasional thinning and shaping. Heavy pruning is generally discouraged for both.
Feeding Requirements
Feeding requirements are low for both types. Thuja benefits from regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer once or twice a year, while Junipers need a balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied once in early spring, with caution against over-fertilization.Mulching
Mulching is beneficial for both Thuja and Junipers, helping to retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds. For both, mulch should be kept away from the trunk to avoid potential rot.Pests and Disease Control
Both Thuja and Junipers require regular inspection for pests like spider mites and scale insects. Thuja also needs monitoring for diseases such as fungal infections and blight, while Junipers should be watched for juniper blight, with a focus on maintaining good air circulation to minimize risks.Winter Care Requirements
For winter care, both benefit from mulching around the base. Thuja may require additional protection such as burlap covers for lower branches and ensuring proper drainage to prevent ice buildup. Junipers may also need winter protection, including mulch and possibly burlap or anti-desiccant sprays to prevent winter burn from harsh conditions.Choosing Between Thuja And Juniper
When deciding between Thuja and Juniper for your landscape, consider the following factors:
●Space: If you have limited space and need a compact evergreen, Thuja Can Can or a common juniper might be the best choice. For larger areas requiring tall privacy screens, Thuja Green Giant or American Pillar Arborvitae would be more suitable.
●Growth Rate: Thuja Green Giant and American Pillar Arborvitae are known for their fast growth, making them ideal for quickly establishing privacy screens. Junipers generally have a slower growth rate but can be a good choice for low-maintenance landscaping.
●Maintenance: Both Thuja and Juniper offer low-maintenance options, but Thuja varieties like Green Giant and Can Can generally require less care than some juniper species. Junipers may need more frequent pruning and careful monitoring of soil conditions.
Understanding the differences between Thuja and Juniper can help you make an informed decision for your landscape needs. Whether you’re looking for a fast-growing privacy hedge or a low-maintenance ground cover, both genera offer beautiful and functional options. For high-quality Thuja trees, including varieties like Thuja Green Giant and a full-speed hedge American Pillar Arborvitae, visit Thuja Gardens. With over 20 years of experience in growing and providing exceptional thuja trees, Thuja Gardens is your go-to source for top-quality evergreen plants.