Rare Arborvitae Cultivars

Jeff's Nursery specializes in rare and unusual arborvitae cultivars that you won't find at garden centers. We propagate four distinctive rare and unusual Thuja varieties as rooted cuttings and small container stock, grown in southern Michigan (Zone 5b/6a) for proven cold-hardiness. Ships bare-root across the United States.

Filiformis

Thuja occidentalis

Graceful threadleaf form with pendulous, whipcord-like foliage. Slow-growing to 15-25'. Unique texture for collectors.

Rooted cutting: $18–25 | 1-gal: $35–45
Coming soon

Rheingold

Thuja occidentalis

Golden-bronze dwarf with rich amber foliage that deepens to copper-bronze in winter. Globe-shaped, 3-5'. Perfect specimen.

Rooted cutting: $15–22 | 1-gal: $30–40
Coming soon

DeGroot's Spire

Thuja occidentalis

Narrow columnar form with twisting foliar sprays. 20–30' tall, only 4–5' wide. Excellent for hedging and vertical accents.

Rooted cutting: $14–20 | 1-gal: $28–38
Coming soon

Zebrina

Thuja plicata

Bold golden-banded variegated foliage. Each spray striped with bands of gold and green. 30–50' tall pyramidal tree. Striking specimen.

Rooted cutting: $18–26 | 1-gal: $35–48
Coming soon

Frequently Asked Questions

What arborvitae cultivars do you carry?

We specialize in rare and unusual Thuja cultivars including Filiformis (threadleaf), Rheingold (golden dwarf), DeGroot's Spire (narrow columnar), and Zebrina (variegated western red cedar). Each cultivar is carefully selected for ornamental value, hardiness, and availability as propagated rooted cuttings or small container stock.

Are these hardy in cold climates?

Yes, all our arborvitae cultivars are proven hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 3–8 depending on the specific cultivar. We grow them ourselves in southern Michigan (Zone 5b/6a), ensuring they can handle cold winters, freeze-thaw cycles, and challenging growing conditions. Each cultivar page specifies the hardiness zone range.

What size are the plants?

We offer two sizes: rooted cuttings (dormant, 2–4 inches long, shipped bare-root) and 1-gallon container stock (actively growing, approximately 8–12 inches tall). Rooted cuttings are ideal for growing on, bonsai work, and cost-effective propagation. 1-gallon stock is ready for immediate planting or larger containers.

Do you ship arborvitae internationally?

Currently our arborvitae cultivars are available for US domestic shipment. Interested in international orders? Please contact us to discuss options and availability.

When is the best time to plant arborvitae?

Arborvitae can be planted spring through fall. Spring and early fall are optimal for container stock. Bare-root rooted cuttings are shipped dormant in late fall and winter for immediate planting or can be potted up for spring growth. Avoid planting during extreme heat or cold. Always acclimate rooted cuttings gradually to outdoor light.

We're continually expanding our cultivar selection. Sign up for notifications about new varieties as they become available.