Westmont arborvitae, a compact rounded conifer with dark green foliage tipped golden yellow, in a gravel bed

Arborvitae Westmont

Platycladus orientalis 'Westmont'
Categories:
Shrubs  ·  
Screening & Hedge Shrubs
Light
Full sun (afternoon shade in low desert)
Water
Moderate water in Phoenix; irrigate deeply, then allow the upper few inches of soil to dry. Newly planted shrubs need more frequent watering. Do not treat as a low-water desert shrub.
Size
3-4 ft tall × 3-4 ft wide
Habit
Rounded shrub
Toxicity
Toxic — Pets
Description
A compact Oriental arborvitae with dense, upright sprays of scale-like foliage and yellow-green new growth. Can grow in Phoenix with protection from reflected heat and consistent irrigation.
Bloom Time
Non-flowering (grown for foliage)
Deciduous / Evergreen
Evergreen
Special Features
Growth Rate
Slow
Growth Habit
Rounded shrub
Mature Size
3-4 ft tall × 3-4 ft wide
Flower Color
None (grown for foliage)
Foliage Color
Golden yellow to green
Landscape Use
Container / Patio, Foundation Planting, Hedge / Screen, Specimen / Accent
Garden Style
Hedge / Formal
Soil
Alkaline Tolerant, Amended / Rich, Well-Drained
Companion Plants
Dwarf myrtle, Society garlic, Trailing rosemary
Toxic — Pets
Foliage toxic in quantity (contains thujone); mild GI upset if ingested
Care Instructions

Light: Full sun to partial shade; morning sun with afternoon shade is preferable in Phoenix. Avoid hot west-facing walls and reflected pavement heat.

Water: Moderate water in Phoenix; irrigate deeply, then allow the upper few inches of soil to dry. Newly planted shrubs need more frequent watering. Do not treat as a low-water desert shrub.

Soil: Well-drained soil; tolerates alkaline conditions but struggles in persistently wet or compacted soil. Apply organic mulch while keeping it away from the trunk.

Mature size: Approximately 3 feet tall and wide; older plants may grow larger depending on conditions.

Bloom: Produces small, inconspicuous pollen cones in spring rather than true flowers.

Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen.

Growth rate: Slow.