Arborvitae Fire Chief

Fire Chief Arborvitae forms a tidy rounded mound of soft evergreen foliage without regular shearing. The new growth emerges bright gold with orange-red tips, settles to green and gold, and develops warm bronze-red color in cool weather. Its compact size makes it an easy color accent for foundation beds, low borders, and containers. Available for local pickup from Towns Edge Nursery.

Plant details

• Botanical name: Thuja occidentalis 'Congabe'
• Light: Full sun to part shade; strong light produces the best color
• USDA zones: 5-8
• Mature size: About 2-4 feet tall and 2-4 feet wide
• Foliage: Soft evergreen foliage with gold, green, orange, and bronze-red seasonal color
• Ornamental feature: Naturally rounded form and colorful new growth
• Interest season: Year-round, with the warmest tones in new growth and cool weather
• Water: Moderate; keep evenly moist while establishing and use well-drained soil
• Growth habit: Compact, rounded evergreen shrub
• Landscape uses: Foundation beds, low hedges, entry accents, mixed borders, mass plantings, and containers
• Deer tolerance: Arborvitae may be browsed by deer, especially during winter

South Carolina garden note: In Zone 8b, morning sun with some protection from the hottest afternoon exposure can reduce heat stress. Mulch the root zone and provide regular water during establishment.

Plant size and performance vary with climate, soil, pruning, and care.