Sting® Arborvitae - Thuja

Sting® Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'SMNTOO', USPP 34,292) delivers one of the most dramatically narrow profiles available in the evergreen world, reaching 15 to 20 feet tall while occupying a mere 12 to 18 inches of width — less than two square feet of garden real estate. This Proven Winners® ColorChoice® selection showcases a dense, upright columnar form with flat sprays of bright green, aromatic foliage carried on distinctively twisting branchlets. Unlike many arborvitae that lose their luster in cold weather, Sting maintains its rich green coloration through winter, providing reliable four-season structure without the bronzing common to the species. Hardy across USDA Zones 3 through 8, this native Eastern arborvitae pairs exceptional cold tolerance with adaptability to a wide range of growing conditions.

Sting's sword-like silhouette opens creative possibilities that broader evergreens simply cannot match. Plant it as a singular architectural exclamation point in a mixed border, tuck a row into a tight side yard for a space-saving privacy screen, or use it as a vertical "thriller" element in large container plantings and foundation beds. This selection thrives in full sun to part sun exposures and performs best in moderately moist, well-drained soils, though it demonstrates solid tolerance for heat and drought once established. Maintenance demands stay refreshingly low — the naturally tight columnar habit requires no pruning to maintain its form, and a spring application of controlled-release fertilizer covers its nutritional needs for the season.

Photo Credit: Proven Winners 

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.