Fire Chief Arborvitae (Thuja)

The phenomenal new Fire Chief Thuja from the Southern Living Plant Collection is the type of plant that leads people to ask “What is that plant?!” These exceptionally uniform shrubs make an almost perfect globe shape that requires no pruning. The Fire Chief’s eye-popping display of red-orange on the tips of its branches and lime-green on the inside appears almost other-worldly. As the wind shakes these shrubs, the orange tips appear to shimmer on top of the chartreuse green foliage underneath, creating an optical illusion type of effect. This Thuja is perfect for those looking for a year-round color interest, as its brilliantly golden spring foliage will transition to a deep scarlet red through fall and winter. Whether used as a border, accent, hedge, or mass planting in the landscape or container garden, the Fire Chief refuses to cease turning heads all year long.

Planting Instructions

• water before planting
• plant in Full Sun to Part Shade
• dig hole 3X the width of pot,
• backfill and plant 1″-2″ above soil level
• water and add more soil if needed
• mulch plants
• apply a slow-release balanced fertilizer in early spring

Fire Chief Thuja Spacing Recommendations 

For a seamless planting, plant your Fire Chief Thuja 2.5-3 feet apart. Otherwise, space them 4+ feet apart for gaps between plants