Spartan Juniper Vs. Thuja

This juniper branch shows the feathery detail characteristic of "Spartan."


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Both "Spartan" juniper (Juniperus chinensis "Spartan"), hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 9, and many varieties of arborvitae (Thuja spp.) are used as a year-round decorative screen or hedge. Both share many qualities and characteristics, as well, so choosing between them could prove difficult when you start your search for that ideal evergreen that will adorn your landscape.


"Spartan" juniper is a fast-growing tree that reaches 15 feet tall and between 3 and 5 feet wide at maturity. Some arborvitaes have a similar size and shape. "Rushmore" (Thuja occidentalis "Rushmore"), which grows in USDA zones 4 through 8, reaches 12 to 20 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide. "Degroot's Spire" (Thuja occidentalis "Degroot's Spire"), which grows in USDA zones 3 through 8, slowly grows to 20 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide. Brandon (Thuja occidentalis "Brandon"), which is also hardy in USDA zones 3 through 8, is a fast grower that reaches 12 to 15 feet tall but is approximately twice as wide with a mature spread of 6 to 8 feet.


Both of these evergreens have feathery foliage which is often used to adorn wreaths and boughs. "Spartan" is a rich green which keeps its color year-round, although it tends to bronze during colder months in cooler climates. Its overall look is a narrow, tall Chinese juniper that tapers slightly up into a definite point at the top. "Rushmore" and "Degroot's Spire" arborvitaes are very close in shape to "Spartan," although both are slightly more columnar.


In general, arborvitaes tend to be very susceptible to winter damage due to wind and snow, but in a warmer climate these problems aren't as likely to persist. "Rushmore" is a particularly hardy variety that tolerates wind and cold damage. "Spartan" juniper is an low-maintenance plant that doesn't require much water once it's established, whereas the similar arborvitaes are a little more dependent on moister soils. Each has a natural form that doesn't require pruning or trimming.


"Rushmore," "Degroot's Spire" and Brandon's arborvitaes all do well when used as specimen plants or screens, as does "Spartan" juniper. "Spartan" is often used as spiral topiary or as other shapes, particularly in Mediterranean-inspired garden schemes. Several other varieties of arborvitae exist, however, with heights ranging from just over 1 foot to well over 30 feet and shapes including conical, pyramidal, round and box.

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Jasey Kelly


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