The secret to success with container gardening is choosing a plant that stays proportional to the pot. If you pick a variety that grows too fast, you will be repotting it every single season.
Selecting the Best Arborvitaes for Containers requires finding varieties that hold their shape without needing constant pruning. Stick with dwarf or slow growing cultivars to ensure your patio stays neat and tidy. Keep reading to see which specimens handle life in a pot the best.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize dwarf varieties because they naturally maintain a compact size suitable for restricted root growth.
- Check the container size listed, as a number one or number two nursery pot represents the root ball volume at shipment.
- Ensure your pots have drainage holes since arborvitae roots will rot quickly if they sit in standing water.
- Select cultivars known for cold hardiness if you live in a region where winter temperatures fluctuate significantly.
- Look for plants that grow in a dense, upright habit to avoid the center of your container looking sparse over time.
| Best Round Accent |  |
Golden Globe Arborvitae #2 Container | Naturally rounded growth habit | Bright golden foliage | Slow growing for longevity | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Fast Privacy Screen |  |
Thuja Green Giant Starter Trees | Extremely fast growing | Highly disease resistant | Excellent for tall hedges | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Classic Narrow Pillar |  |
Emerald Green Arborvitae #3 Container | Slim, upright stature | Maintains rich green color | Sophisticated appearance | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Perfect Small Sphere |  |
Little Giant Arborvitae #1 Container | Compact size | Uniform round shape | Low maintenance care | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Hardy Foundation Choice |  |
Planet Earth Dense Evergreen Shrub | Cold hardy | Dense, thick foliage | Easy to manage | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Unique Gold Interest |  |
Anna's Magic Ball Arborvitae | Striking golden color | Compact dwarf habit | Year-round visual interest | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Greenhouse Project Essential | |
Bulk Green Giant Starter Trees | Cost-effective bulk volume | High vitality starts | Vigorous growth potential | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Reliable Container Dwarf |  |
Little Giant Landscaping Arborvitae | Naturally dwarf size | Very low maintenance | Stays round naturally | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Instant Impact Tree |  |
Brighter Blooms Large Green Giant | Significant starting height | Rapid growth rate | Strong, sturdy branches | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Classic Vertical Accent |  |
DAS Farms Emerald Arborvitae | Classic narrow shape | Vibrant green color | Easy to style | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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Golden Globe Arborvitae #2 Container
This shrub is an excellent pick if you want a natural globe shape without constant pruning. It adds a lovely pop of yellow-green color that breaks up the monotony of darker evergreens.
Keep in mind that this variety grows slowly, which makes it perfect for a permanent spot in a decorative planter. Just ensure your container has proper drainage holes because these plants dislike sitting in soggy soil.
- Variety Type:Thuja occidentalis
- Container Size:#2 container
- Growth Habit:Dense globe
- Additional Feature:Vibrant yellow foliage
- Additional Feature:Minimal pruning required
- Additional Feature:Ideal for porch decor
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Thuja Green Giant Starter Trees
If your goal is to build a tall privacy hedge, these young starts are the way to go. They arrive small, but they possess a vigorous growth rate that will surprise you once they get established in larger pots.
You will need to repot these frequently as they develop, so be prepared for some gardening work. They are exceptionally hardy and can handle a variety of climates better than most other arborvitae types.
- Variety Type:Thuja standishii x plicata
- Plant Height:7-10 inches
- Growth Habit:Pyramidal
- Cold Hardiness:Zones 5-9
- Additional Feature:High environmental adaptability
- Additional Feature:Strong root system potential
- Additional Feature:Great for long-term growth
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Emerald Green Arborvitae #3 Container
This is arguably the most popular choice for formal entryway containers. Its slender, upright shape fits perfectly on a patio or flanking a front door without taking up too much space.
The foliage remains a vibrant emerald color even during the colder months of the year. While it looks elegant, ensure you water it regularly because its dense canopy can lose moisture quickly in the sun.
- Variety Type:Thuja occidentalis Smaragd
- Container Size:#3 container
- Growth Habit:Narrow pyramidal
- Cold Hardiness:Zones 3-8
- Additional Feature:Holds shape well
- Additional Feature:Dense, compact foliage
- Additional Feature:Winter color retention
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Little Giant Arborvitae #1 Container
The Little Giant is a fantastic option if you have a limited footprint on a balcony or small terrace. It stays quite small, meaning you won't be forced to transplant it as often as other varieties.
Its dense, rounded foliage provides a clean look that works well in modern or minimalist garden designs. Remember to protect it from harsh, drying winds, as the plant can struggle if the roots freeze too deep in a small container.
- Variety Type:Thuja occidentalis
- Container Size:#1 container
- Growth Habit:Dwarf globe
- Additional Feature:Excellent for small spaces
- Additional Feature:Dense foliage structure
- Additional Feature:Consistent growth pattern
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Planet Earth Dense Evergreen Shrub
This shrub is built for people who want a durable, fuss-free plant. It thrives in a variety of conditions and provides a nice, thick texture that looks great in a medium-sized decorative pot.
It is particularly useful for those who want a plant that can endure cold winters without needing extra protection. Be aware that it prefers a sunny spot, so give it plenty of light to keep the inner branches healthy.
- Variety Type:Thuja occidentalis
- Container Size:1 gallon
- Growth Habit:Dense round
- Cold Hardiness:Zones 3-8
- Additional Feature:Foundation plant quality
- Additional Feature:High survivability
- Additional Feature:Consistent texture
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Anna's Magic Ball Arborvitae
If you want something that catches the eye, this bright gold shrub is a winner. It stays compact and adds a fantastic contrast when placed next to darker green plants in a tiered pot arrangement.
The golden color is most intense in full sun, though it handles partial shade well too. Just watch out for heavy snow in the winter, as the ball shape can occasionally be weighed down.
- Brand Name:Proven Winners
- Variety Type:Thuja occidentalis
- Container Size:2 gallon
- Growth Habit:Globe
- Additional Feature:Bright citrus-toned foliage
- Additional Feature:Resists browning
- Additional Feature:Slow, manageable growth
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Bulk Green Giant Starter Trees
This bulk set is a smart move if you are planning to fill several long troughs or a large container wall. You get a generous amount of plants, allowing you to space them out exactly how you need for a lush look.
These young trees are very resilient and adaptable. You will need to invest in some quality potting mix to give them the best start, but they reward your efforts with strong, vertical growth.
- Variety Type:Thuja standishii x plicata
- Plant Height:8-14 inches
- Growth Habit:Pyramidal
- Cold Hardiness:Zones 5-9
- Additional Feature:Ideal for mass planting
- Additional Feature:Fast vertical development
- Additional Feature:Strong disease resistance
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Little Giant Landscaping Arborvitae
This is the same great plant as the previous Little Giant, but it is specifically marketed for those looking to add structured greenery to their patio. Its habit is tight and clean, making it look like a professional landscape piece.
You will appreciate how little work it takes to keep this plant looking sharp. It is the perfect size for a standard container and won't dominate your walkway.
- Variety Type:Thuja occidentalis
- Container Size:#1 container
- Growth Habit:Globe
- Additional Feature:Clean, tidy habit
- Additional Feature:Perfect for small patios
- Additional Feature:Reliable evergreen foliage
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Brighter Blooms Large Green Giant
When you want a tree that looks like it has been there for years, this taller specimen is the answer. It provides immediate height and presence in a large patio container or a corner of a deck.
Because of its size, you must ensure the pot is heavy enough to prevent tipping during high winds. It is a fantastic workhorse that will grow quickly and provide a thick screen of green.
- Variety Type:Thuja standishii x plicata
- Plant Height:3-4 feet
- Growth Habit:Pyramidal
- Cold Hardiness:Zones 5-9
- Additional Feature:Immediate landscape impact
- Additional Feature:Hardy and durable
- Additional Feature:Excellent privacy screen
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DAS Farms Emerald Arborvitae
This is a standard, reliable Emerald Green that provides the classic pyramidal look. It is a great choice if you want to frame a doorway or add height to a tiered garden display.
The plant arrives at a height that is easy to manage while still making an impression. Give it consistent watering during the first season to ensure the root system fills the container properly.
- Variety Type:Thuja occidentalis Smaragd
- Plant Height:1-2 feet
- Growth Habit:Pyramidal
- Additional Feature:Holds color well
- Additional Feature:Elegant vertical presence
- Additional Feature:Good for formal arrangements
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I need to water my arborvitae in a pot?
Container plants dry out much faster than those in the ground. During the summer, you should check the soil every two days and water thoroughly when the top two inches of soil feel dry. Never let the root system turn into a brittle, parched mess.
Do I need to bring my arborvitae inside during the winter?
Most arborvitae are quite hardy and do not need to come indoors. However, the roots are more vulnerable in a pot than in the ground, so you might need to wrap the container in burlap or bubble wrap if you experience extreme, prolonged freezes. Keep the plant in a sheltered spot away from drying winter winds.
Will the needles turn brown if I keep them in a container?
Browning is often a sign of moisture stress or poor drainage rather than a specific issue with the pot itself. If the tips turn brown, check if the soil is too dry or if you have accidentally drowned the roots. A little bit of browning in the very center of the shrub is normal as the plant sheds older needles.
Can I grow multiple plants in one large trough?
You can certainly create a beautiful hedge in a long planter box. Just make sure to space them at least 12 to 18 inches apart so they don't compete for nutrients and light. Crowding them too closely will eventually lead to uneven growth and thinning on the inner sides.
Is it necessary to prune container arborvitae?
You rarely need to prune them since most container varieties have a naturally tidy, pyramidal shape. If you do want to neaten them up, only trim the soft green growth during the spring. Never cut back into the old brown wood, as those branches will not grow back.
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