Plants We like for the Clay Soils of Solebury Pa.
Like our farm, Highland Hill Farm, Solebury Pa. is located in an
eara with lots of clay. We therefore like plants that grow well
in clay. Arborvitae, in particular the Green Giant is our
favorite. Here is why. The hardiness zone for the Green Giant
Arborvitae is from zones 5 to 8. Its evergreen with rapid growth
rates that in ideal conditions can be up to 3 feet per year.
Site requirements for the green giant is sun to partial shade,
moist well drained soil but does well in clay, and needs
protection from wind . Its texture is fine with its form conical
being narrow to broadly pyramidal, reaching from 50 to 80' in
height to 15 to 20 feet in width. The leaf is rich green
graceful foliage. It keeps its foliage color in the winter. The
Green Giants flowers/fruit are .5" erect female cones. The Green
Giant has strong wood, casts dense shade, and has cinnamon red
bark when young. Arborvitae do not tolerate salt spray. These
arborvitae should outlive even your children.