Plant field guide
Arborvitae (Fire Chief)
Dwarf globe arborvitae with unique seasonal color changes. New growth emerges golden-yellow, matures to green, and turns rich red-purple in winter. Year-round color interest in a compact form.
Growing requirements
- Scientific name
- Thuja occidentalis 'Congabe'
- Sun
- full sun
- Water
- moderate
- Height
- 24 in (61 cm) – 48 in (122 cm)
- Spread
- 24 in (61 cm) – 48 in (122 cm)
- Spacing
- Not recorded
- Hardiness zones & minimum temperature
- USDA 3–8; average annual extreme minimum from -40°F (-40.0°C). Hardiness does not predict local frost dates.
- Difficulty
- easy
Planting & seasonal timing
Northern Hemisphere planting months: not yet verified in our database.
Northern Hemisphere pruning months: June.
For the Southern Hemisphere, these seasonal windows shift approximately six months. Check your local frost forecast, soil temperature, and species requirements; calendar months are not a guarantee of planting safety.
Most colorful in full sun. Winter color is most dramatic in cold climates. Compact form perfect for small gardens. Very cold hardy.
Pruning
Minimal pruning needed. Light shaping in early summer if desired.
Fertilizer
Balanced evergreen fertilizer
Early spring
Mulch
2 inches of organic mulch.