Thuja Orientale

Class

Pinopsida

Division

Pinophyta

Family

Cupressaceae

Order

Pinales

Genus

Thuja

Species

orientalis

Description

An ornamental conifer, growing to a medium to large size when mature. It has a slender habit with a compact, conical, almost columnar crown, featuring closely spaced branches and scale-like needles that are glossy green with golden highlights. It flowers discreetly in spring, though the flowers are not particularly ornamental. The bark is reddish-brown and peels off in strips.

It has a strong root system, moderately deep and well-spread throughout the soil.

Very hardy, it adapts well to climatic variations, including in urban environments and parks. It prefers well-drained clayey and sandy soils, but grows well in all types of soil.
A species suitable for medium-sized and large green spaces, either as a solitary tree or in small groups, such as parks and gardens, and also for forming rows of trees in parks and along roadsides, provided the correct distance from the carriageway is maintained. It belongs to a group of conifers that are well suited to widespread and multifunctional use, both ornamental and for landscaping.

It is resistant to disease and does not require pruning. It must never be topped or pollarded. It includes many varieties with a wide range of foliage colours.

curiosity and special features

The main difference betweenThuja orientalis and Thuja occidentalis lies in their geographical origin, the arrangement of their branches and the shape of their leaves. The former is now often referred to as Platycladus orientalis and is native to Asia, whilst the latter is native to North America.

The Oriental thuja is often called the ‘Tree of Life’ in reference to its longevity.

Origin and Diffusion

A species native to the region stretching from the Russian Far East to central-eastern China and Korea; introduced to Europe in the mid-18th century.

pH

The optimum soil pH values range from 6.0 to 7.0

soil preparation

Before transplanting in late autumn, choose the most suitable location, taking into account the plant’s needs, and use a spade to dig a planting hole at least one-third larger than the volume of the roots or root ball to be transplanted.

Remove any weeds and large stones.

sun exposure

Suitable for exposure in bright shade, full sun.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature ranges from 0.0 to 30 °C. It adapts well to cold winter climates as well as hot summer climates.

Use

An elegant-looking tree, it is widely appreciated as a conifer in:
Outdoor ornamental settings Outdoor landscape design Landscaping

Hardiness

Itshigh hardiness makes the plant even more useful; it adapts well to harsh climates, tolerates air pollution and is resistant to numerous plant diseases.

Soil/medium

It prefers well-drained soils rich in organic matter.

Maintenance

Once it has settled in properly after transplanting, it is fairly easy to grow, requiring amoderate level of maintenance.

cultivation tips

Some useful and specific cultivation guidelines:
Balanced fertilisation Expose the plant to as much light as possible This plant adapts very well to cold winter climates and can even survive in frozen soil.