Thuja Smaragd Topiary Multiballs – Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd'
Thuja Smaragd Topiary Multiballs – Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' - Image 2

Thuja Smaragd Topiary Multiballs – Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’

£89.79

Thuja Smaragd Topiary Multiballs provide an elegant, low-maintenance, and long-lasting way to introduce height, structure, and year-round greenery into any garden. With customizable designs, slow growth, and resilience to pruning, they make an excellent choice for formal gardens, contemporary spaces, and entranceways.

SKU: THSMTRTHOCSM Category:

Thuja Smaragd Topiary Multiballs – Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’

Overview

Thuja Smaragd Topiary Multiballs offer a unique and elegant way to add structure and evergreen beauty to any outdoor space. Carefully shaped into multiple spherical forms along a single stem, these topiaries create a striking focal point while maintaining a natural, soft texture. Grown from Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’, a slow-growing, conical evergreen, they provide a refined and sculptural look that works well in both modern and traditional garden designs. Customers can select the number of stacked balls to suit their garden style and space.

Why Choose Thuja Smaragd Topiary Multiballs?

Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’, also known as Emerald Green Arborvitae, is a highly valued topiary plant due to its naturally compact growth, vibrant green foliage, and excellent resilience. The multiball design enhances its sculptural appeal, making it perfect for adding vertical interest to patios, courtyards, pathways, and formal gardens.

Growth and Seasonal Interest

Thuja Smaragd is a fully evergreen conifer, retaining its bright green color throughout the year. In spring and summer, fresh, soft-textured foliage emerges, while in winter, its rich green hue remains vibrant, ensuring year-round interest and structure. Unlike other conifers, it maintains a neat and upright habit without excessive spreading.

Growth Rate and Positioning

This variety of Thuja has a slow to moderate growth rate, typically adding 10–30 cm per year. Its controlled growth makes it ideal for topiary, as it holds its form well between prunings. It thrives in formal gardens, urban courtyards, entranceways, and contemporary landscapes.

Pruning and Maintenance

To maintain its clean, structured shape, prune Thuja Smaragd Topiary Multiballs once or twice a year, ideally in late spring (May–June) and late summer (August–September). Regular trimming encourages dense, compact foliage. Unlike some conifers, Thuja responds well to shaping, allowing for precise sculpting. Applying a slow-release fertilizer in spring helps promote healthy, lush growth.

Hardiness and Watering

Thuja Smaragd is exceptionally hardy, with an RHS Hardiness Rating of H6, tolerating temperatures down to -20°C. It is well-suited to the UK climate and thrives in both sheltered and exposed locations. Once established, it is drought-resistant, though young plants benefit from regular watering during dry spells.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Thuja Smaragd prefers full sun to partial shade and thrives in moist, well-drained soil. It adapts well to loam, chalk, and sandy soils, tolerating both slightly acidic and alkaline conditions. While it is highly adaptable, it does not tolerate prolonged waterlogging, so ensuring good drainage is essential.

Customizable Design

Customers can personalize their Thuja Smaragd Topiary Multiballs by selecting how many balls are stacked along the central stem. Whether opting for a simple two-ball design or a dramatic five-ball formation, these topiaries offer flexibility in creating a unique and tailored garden feature.

Placement and Uses

Thuja Smaragd Topiary Multiballs are ideal for entranceways, patios, terraces, and garden borders. They work well as a pair flanking doorways, as a standalone statement piece, or in repeated designs for structured landscapes. Their compact habit and sculptural appearance suit both modern and classical settings.

Wildlife and Biodiversity

While primarily ornamental, Thuja Smaragd provides shelter for birds and can be a valuable evergreen structure in biodiversity-friendly gardens. However, it does not attract pollinators in the same way as flowering shrubs.

Fun Fact

Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’ gets its name from the Danish word “Smaragd,” meaning “emerald,” a reference to its vibrant green color. It has been a favorite in topiary and hedge planting for centuries due to its neat, manageable growth habit.

Summary

Thuja Smaragd Topiary Multiballs provide an elegant, low-maintenance, and long-lasting way to introduce height, structure, and year-round greenery into any garden. With customizable designs, slow growth, and resilience to pruning, they make an excellent choice for formal gardens, contemporary spaces, and entranceways.

Disclaimer

The appearance of Thuja Smaragd Topiary Multiballs may vary depending on the season and maturity at the time of purchase. Regular pruning is required to maintain their distinctive shape, and potted specimens may require additional watering in dry periods.

FREE Specialist Delivery Available

At Harrod Outdoors, we take pride in delivering top-quality plants with care and efficiency, directly to your doorstep. Our delivery options are tailored to suit the size and type of your plants, ensuring they arrive in perfect condition, ready to transform your outdoor space. With free specialist delivery available on qualifying orders across most of the UK, and clear delivery timelines of 10-15 working days (up to 30 for larger or custom orders), we make it simple and stress-free.

If you need help selecting the right plants or have specific delivery requirements, our friendly team is here to assist. You can trust us to handle your order with expertise every step of the way. View our Delivery Policy or Contact Us for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions – Thuja Smaragd Topiary Multiballs (Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’)

What is Thuja Smaragd Topiary Multiballs?

Thuja Smaragd Topiary Multiballs is a sculpted evergreen conifer, carefully pruned into a multiball formation along a single stem. Grown from Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’, also known as the Emerald Green Arborvitae, this structured topiary is prized for its dense foliage, naturally upright shape, and year-round vibrant green color. It is ideal for formal gardens, contemporary landscapes, entranceways, and patios, where it adds height and elegance with minimal maintenance.

How big does Thuja Smaragd Topiary Multiballs grow?

– Pruned and maintained: Typically reaches 1.2 to 2 meters in height, depending on the number of balls and shaping.
– Unpruned: If left to grow naturally, Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’ can reach 3–5 meters tall and 1–1.5 meters wide. However, regular pruning keeps it compact and structured.

How long does it live?

Thuja Smaragd is an exceptionally long-lived conifer, with a lifespan of 50 to 70 years in well-maintained garden settings. With proper care, it can remain a striking garden feature for decades, making it a great investment for long-term landscaping.

How fast does it grow?

Thuja Smaragd is a slow to moderate-growing conifer, typically adding 10–30 cm per year. Its slower growth rate compared to other thujas makes it ideal for topiary, as it holds its shape well between prunings.

How often does it need pruning?

To maintain its multiball shape, Thuja Smaragd should be lightly pruned once or twice a year:
– Late spring (May–June): Trimming helps promote dense, bushy growth.
– Late summer (August–September): A final trim before winter keeps the structure crisp.

This variety responds well to shaping and does not become woody or sparse if regularly pruned.

Does Thuja Smaragd change color in winter?

No, unlike some conifers, Thuja Smaragd retains its deep emerald-green color year-round. It does not bronze or yellow in cold weather, ensuring consistent color through all seasons.

Is Thuja Smaragd wind-tolerant?

Yes, Thuja Smaragd is reasonably wind-resistant, but it prefers some shelter from strong, drying winds. In exposed areas, planting it near a fence, wall, or other windbreak will help protect its foliage from dehydration in winter.

What type of soil does it prefer?

Thuja Smaragd thrives in moist, well-drained soil and adapts well to:
– Loam, chalk, and sandy soils.
– Slightly acidic to alkaline pH levels.
– Avoid waterlogged areas, as Thuja roots dislike sitting in excess moisture.

Can Thuja Smaragd Topiary Multiballs be grown in pots?

Yes! It adapts well to container gardening, making it a perfect choice for patios, terraces, and entranceways. When growing in pots:
– Use a large container (at least 50 cm diameter) with good drainage holes.
– Fill with a loam-based compost mix (e.g., John Innes No. 3).
– Water regularly in dry weather, as potted plants dry out faster than ground-planted ones.
– Repot every 3–5 years or when roots become crowded.

Is it suitable for small gardens?

Yes! Thuja Smaragd’s naturally narrow, upright growth makes it ideal for small gardens, courtyards, and balconies. Unlike many other conifers, it stays compact and does not spread excessively, making it a great alternative to bulkier evergreen hedges.

How much water does it need?

Thuja Smaragd prefers moderate, consistent moisture but is also drought-tolerant once established.
– Newly planted: Water twice a week for the first few months.
– Established plants: Water once a week in dry weather.
– Potted plants: Water more frequently, as containers dry out faster.

How hardy is Thuja Smaragd?

Thuja Smaragd is extremely hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as -20°C. With an RHS Hardiness Rating of H6, it thrives in UK gardens and other temperate climates. It is resistant to frost, wind, and urban pollution, making it a great choice for exposed or city gardens.

Is Thuja Smaragd resistant to pests and diseases?

Thuja Smaragd is generally pest and disease-resistant, but occasional issues may include:
– Root rot – Avoid waterlogged soil to prevent fungal diseases.
– Spider mites – These tiny pests can affect foliage during hot, dry periods; regular watering and misting help deter them.
– Winter burn – In extremely dry, windy winters, some foliage may brown slightly, but this is rare and recovers in spring.

Does it have a fragrance?

Yes! When brushed against or pruned, Thuja Smaragd releases a mild, pleasant cedar-like aroma, adding an extra sensory appeal to your garden.

Can Thuja Smaragd Topiary Multiballs be used in different garden styles?

Yes! This structured topiary works well in:
– Formal gardens – Adds symmetry and a classical look.
– Modern landscapes – Complements minimalist designs with its sleek, vertical shape.
– Japanese gardens – Provides an evergreen element for year-round balance.
– Courtyards and patios – Perfect as a container-grown feature plant.

What is the best way to fertilize Thuja Smaragd?

To encourage lush, green growth, feed Thuja Smaragd:
– In early spring: Use a balanced slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 NPK).
– In summer (optional): Apply a liquid feed every 4–6 weeks for extra vigor.
– Avoid excessive nitrogen, as it can cause weak, leggy growth instead of dense foliage.

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