SCIENTIFIC NAME: Thuja plicata 'Grune Kugel' (sometimes spelled Gruene)

COMMON NAME: Grune Kugel Western Red Cedar, Western Arborvitae

GARDEN SIZE: 1-4 feet tall by 1-4 feet wide if left in natural form

GROWTH RATE: Slow (up to 3-5 inches per year under ideal conditions)

USDA ZONE: 5-9

EXPOSURE: Full to Part Sun (4 or more hours of sun per day, ideally light afternoon shade)

WATER & SOIL: Average, well-drained soil; will need additional water in times of drought

HABIT: Globe-shaped, dense mound

FOLIAGE: Evergreen; Bright to rich dark green with bronze-tipped foliage in winter

PLANT ORIGIN: Western North America

FERTILIZING: Feed in spring and fall with acidic organic fertilizer.

PRUNING: Minimal shearing required. Hand pruning is preferred. Late winter or early summer is best.

TOXICITY: Mildly toxic to people, dogs, cats, and horses if ingested. The aromatic foliage may cause digestive upset, and sap may irritate sensitive skin.

USES: Borders, low hedges, edging walkways, mass plantings, and small-space gardens