Fire Chief Arborvitae - Thuja

Fire Chief™ Globe Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Congabe' PP#19,009) delivers a year-round kaleidoscope of color in a tidy, self-maintaining package. This slow-growing dwarf evergreen produces dense, feathery foliage that emerges bright gold in spring, softens to green with distinctive reddish-plum tips through summer, deepens to a rich bronzy-red in autumn, and holds warm burnt-orange to reddish-bronze tones well into winter. Reaching just 2 to 4 feet tall and wide, the naturally globe-shaped habit stays neat and full without pruning, making it one of the most care-free options for adding structure and multi-season interest to the landscape. Plant in full sun to part shade in moist, well-drained soil across USDA Zones 3 to 8, keeping in mind that greater sun exposure intensifies the foliage color throughout the seasons.

Fire Chief earns its place in a wide range of garden settings thanks to its compact footprint and reliable form. Use it as a glowing specimen in foundation beds, tuck several into a mixed border at 3- to 4-foot spacing for a rhythmic sweep of color, or plant it in containers to bring four-season appeal to patios and entryways. Its dense, rounded silhouette pairs beautifully with dark-leafed hollies, blue-toned junipers, or burgundy loropetalum, amplifying the gold-to-red color show through contrast. The shrub tolerates a range of soil types including clay, shows good resistance to verticillium wilt, and handles establishment with minimal fuss once regular watering carries it through the first growing season or two.

General care for any tree or shrub is easy, but like any living thing will require your attention. Please educate yourself and follow these simple rules.