thuja plant indoor or outdoor Junior Giant Arborvitae

thuja plant indoor or outdoor Junior Giant ArborvitaeThuja Junior Giant (previously known as Thuja standishii plicata Junior Giant) Overview Uses: Privacy screens, hedges, windbreaks, evergreen backdrops, property borders, larger foundation plantings. Benefits: Fast growing, dense evergreen with a naturally narrow footprint and strong branching for quick, reliable screening. Holds rich green color through winter and typically needs minimal pruning to stay tidy. USDA Hardiness Zones: 58 Sun: Full Sun to

Thuja ‘Junior Giant’

(previously known as Thuja standishii × plicata ‘Junior Giant’)

Overview

Uses: Privacy screens, hedges, windbreaks, evergreen backdrops, property borders, larger foundation plantings.

Benefits: Fast-growing, dense evergreen with a naturally narrow footprint and strong branching for quick, reliable screening. Holds rich green color through winter and typically needs minimal pruning to stay tidy.

USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–8

Sun: Full Sun to Partial Shade

Life Cycle: Evergreen Tree

Growth Habit: Pyramidal, Upright — dense canopy with a strong central leader.

Foliage Color: Green

Mature Height: 15–20 feet

Mature Width: 4–6 feet

Bloom Season: Insignificant

Growth Rate: Fast

Summary

Big privacy energy in a more controlled, landscape-friendly footprint.

Thuja ‘Junior Giant’ is an evergreen tree valued for its quick growth and dense branching—ideal when you want a screen sooner, without committing to the full size of larger arborvitae types. Its pyramidal form creates clean structure along property lines and makes a dependable green backdrop for mixed borders.

The foliage stays attractive year-round, holding color through winter while providing consistent shelter and visual separation. With good spacing and simple watering during establishment, it settles in quickly and maintains a naturally neat shape with only occasional trimming.

Care

Junior Giant Arborvitae Care

Plant in full sun to partial shade. For the densest growth, provide at least 6 hours of direct sun.

Prefers well-drained soil but adapts to many soil types. Avoid consistently waterlogged sites.

Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish roots. Once established, water during extended dry periods for best color and growth.

If fertilization is desired, apply slow release fertilizer in early spring.

Pruning is optional. Light shaping can be done in early spring before new growth, or after the first flush of growth in late spring.

Size

What Size is the Junior Giant Arborvitae for Sale Online?

Plants ship in a greenhouse-grade grow pot and are actively growing at the time of shipment. Size and fullness vary by season and growth stage. If you have specific sizing questions, please contact us.

How Large Does Junior Giant Arborvitae Grow?

At maturity, this evergreen tree typically reaches 15–20 feet tall and 4–6 feet wide. It develops a pyramidal form that works well for screening while staying more manageable in tighter landscapes than many larger arborvitae.

Additional Information

What are some common names for this plant?

Commonly known as arborvitae, Junior Giant arborvitae, and western arborvitae hybrid.

How far apart should I space it for a privacy hedge?

For a dense screen, space plants about 5–7 feet apart, depending on how quickly you want the hedge to knit together and how much airflow you want between plants at maturity. For a looser, more natural screen, give them a bit more room.

Is it deer resistant?

Arborvitae can be browsed in areas with heavy deer pressure, especially in winter. If deer are a consistent concern, consider planting within a protected area and explore additional options in our Deer-Resistant Shrubs and Evergreens collection.

What are some similar options for screening?

If you’re planning a mixed screen or comparing arborvitae types, browse our Privacy Trees & Shrubs collection and our Evergreen Plants collection.