Thuja occidentalis Salland - Canadian Arborvitae

The Thuja occidentalis 'Salland' is a small coniferous bush with a regular cone shape that charms with its bright yellow foliage in spring, turning to lovely lemon green shades later in the season. Its growth is limited, perfectly suited for creating beautiful hedges that require minimal pruning. It is also very interesting when planted as a standalone in a small garden, or in combination with other plants in a mixed border. It is a very hardy conifer, not demanding on soil conditions, and easy to grow in well-drained but not too dry soil, in a sunny or partially shaded location. 

The Thuja occidentalis, also known as the Eastern White Cedar or Northern White Cedar, is sometimes referred to as Eastern Arborvitae or Tree of Life. It is an evergreen conifer from the Cupressaceae family, which includes many other ornamental genera such as Cupressus, Chamaecyparis, Libocedrus, and also Thujopsis and all Juniperus (Junipers). Native to northeastern North America, this Thuja is distributed over a wide geographical range that perfectly reflects the adaptability of its natural conditions. In the wild, it reaches a height of 15 to 20 m (49 to 66ft), with a beautiful conical habit and a trunk covered with very decorative bark. It is a very hardy species, well adapted to temperate climates and poor, moist, or occasionally dry soils. Its almost rot-resistant, light, fragrant, and easily flammable wood is used for various purposes. It has given rise to over 300 cultivars.

The 'Salland' variety is a Polish selection, and hardy due to its origin (-23 °C approximately). Its bright yellow young foliage brings brightness to areas with occasionally cloudy weather. As it progresses through the season, it takes on greener tones while retaining decorative yellow accents in the garden. Its habit is distinctly columnar, making it a beautiful specimen for standalone plantings in small gardens. As it does not grow very tall (2.50 to 3 m (8 to 10ft) maximum), it is also an excellent hedge plant for those who do not wish to be enslaved by their hedge trimmer or shears!

This conifer reveals an aromatic foliage when crushed, composed of flattened twigs arranged in planes and covered with scale-like leaves 3 to 5 mm long. Overlapping with each other, the leaves give the twigs a flat appearance. Easy to grow, like its relatives, this Thuja thrives in most soils, from acidic to reasonably calcareous, preferably slightly moist and well-drained. It appreciates full sun, especially in northern climates, but also grows in partial shade.

The 'Salland' western thuja will find its place in a small garden or in a large rockery, grouped in a small open screen or planted in groups of three near an entrance. It pairs well with more unruly shrubs - such as Spiraea thunbergii, with its tousled habit - large stones, the geometric lines of swimming pools or buildings, and masonry works. It can be combined with complementary grasses, such as Pennisetum alopecuroides Gelbstiel with its tall plumes, or with dwarf conifers of different colors or prostrate habit (Juniperus horizontalis Icee Blue), or globular, like the charming Picea sitchensis Silberzwerg with its gray-blue foliage that contrasts well with that of our 'Salland' Thuja.