Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd'

Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' grows at a steady 15 to 30cm a year once established. It is slower than Thuja 'Brabant' or leylandii, which is why it makes such a low-maintenance hedge that needs only one or two light trims a year.

Spacing depends on how wide the plants are supplied: divide 100 by the width in centimetres, so plants 60cm wide go in at about 1.7 per metre, roughly 60cm apart. Younger, slimmer plants are usually planted at around 2.5 to 3 per metre. The Form Plants team confirms spacing for each order.

As a hedge, Thuja 'Smaragd' is easily kept anywhere from about 1m to 3m. Left unclipped, a single plant slowly forms a narrow column of around 4 to 5m over many years.

Thuja 'Smaragd' is naturally narrow, typically staying under about 1m wide even when mature, and it can be clipped tighter. This makes it ideal for drives, paths and small gardens where space is limited.

Yes. 'Smaragd' is Danish for emerald, and the same plant is often sold as Thuja occidentalis 'Emerald' or 'Emerald Green', particularly in North America. It is prized for keeping its bright green colour through winter.

Yes, Thuja 'Smaragd' is known for holding its bright emerald colour through winter better than most hedging conifers, including Thuja 'Brabant', which can take on a slight bronze tint in cold, exposed spots.

Thuja 'Smaragd' grows best in full sun or light shade. In deeper shade it becomes thinner and more open, so for a shady boundary, yew is usually the better evergreen hedge.

Browning in Thuja 'Smaragd' is most often caused by dry roots while the plants are establishing, drying winds, waterlogged soil or clipping into old brown wood. Deep watering in the first two summers, a good mulch and trimming only into green growth keep it healthy and green.

Thuja is harmful if eaten because its foliage contains thujone, and it can upset dogs, cats and horses that chew it. The foliage can also irritate sensitive skin, so wear gloves when trimming and clear up clippings.

The cost depends on the height and tier you choose. Value plants are younger, well-shaped plants for longer runs on a budget, while Premium plants are fuller, taller root-balled plants for an instant, finished hedge. Live prices and sizes are shown on this page, and the team confirms quantities and pricing for each order.

Yes. You are welcome to visit the Form Plants showroom at Row Town in Surrey, open Monday to Saturday and on bank holidays, to see the hedging and choose your plants. You can simply pop in during opening hours, or book a Genus Bar appointment for unhurried time with the team and help with quantities.

Yes, Form Plants delivers nationwide. Our in-house team arranges every delivery and can offload larger root-balled plants and instant hedge elements by HIAB or Moffett crane where access allows. Delivery is quoted for each order depending on size, quantity and location.