Thuja occidentalis Tiny Tim - Canadian Arborvitae

The Thuja occidentalis 'Tiny Tim' is a very graphic small conifer that naturally forms a nicely rounded and compact mass, with a neat appearance, like a topiary. Its fairly fine foliage is highly structured, light green, becoming darker and bronze in winter, on flattened branches. Its slow growth and small size allow for many uses, in a rockery, as a standalone specimen, in a border with shrubs, or even in a large pot near an entrance. It is a hardy conifer, not demanding in well-drained soil but not too dry, and prefers a sunny exposure.

The Thuja occidentalis, also known as Eastern Arborvitae or White Cedar, is sometimes called Canada Cedar or Balai. It is an evergreen conifer of the cypress family native to northeastern North America. It is distributed over a wide geographical area that perfectly reflects the plasticity of its living conditions, from swamps to cliffs, so many hostile environments that discourage many other competing species. In nature, it reaches a height of 15 to 20 m (49 to 66ft), adopting a beautiful conical habit, and a trunk covered with a very decorative, reddish-brown peeling  bark. It is a very hardy species, well adapted to temperate climates and poor, wet or occasionally dry soils. Its almost rot-resistant, lightweight, fragrant, and easily flammable wood lends itself to many uses. It has given rise to more than 300 cultivars that have been selected for their ornamental qualities.

The 'Tiny Tim' variety, highly appreciated, stands out for its very small size, its very regular spherical habit, and its remarkable textured foliage. Its growth is slow, so it will reach 50 cm (20in) in all directions at the age of 10. At maturity, it will reach about 1 m (3ft) in all directions. This conifer reveals an aromatic foliage when crushed, made up of fine, flexible, and flattened branches arranged in vertical planes, and covered with scale-like leaves 3 to 5 mm long. Imbricated in each other, the leaves give the twigs a flat appearance. The foliage is light green from spring to autumn, then takes on a darker green hue tinged with bronze in winter.

The 'Tiny Tim' Western Red Cedar will find its place in a small garden, in a rockery, in a small informal hedge or planted in groups of two near an entrance. It can be installed in a lovely container on the terrace or balcony. It pairs well with softer-looking shrubs such as the dwarf willow, gaura, or Prunus triloba. This small conifer likes large stones, the geometric lines of swimming pools or buildings, and masonry works. It can also be associated with complementary grasses. It fits perfectly into the design of a contemporary garden, which prefers the aesthetics of shapes, silhouettes, and textures over the dance of blooms. Conifers with their reassuring permanence durably structure a bed, mark pathways, border terraces, easily replacing the strong presence of trimmed boxwood or holly. The key is to play with volumes and colors.