The American Arborvitae Grows well in Allentown Pa.
Like our farm, Highland Hill Farm, Allentown Pa. is located in
an eara with lots of clay. We therefore like plants that grow
well in clay. Arborvitae, in particular the American Arborvitae
is one of our favorites. Here is why. The hardiness zone for the
American Arborvitae is from zones 5 to 8. Its evergreen with
rapid growth rates that in ideal conditions can be up to 1.5
feet per year. Site requirements for the American Arborvitae 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 30 to 40' in height to 6 to 12 feet in width. The leaf is
green graceful foliage. It keeps its foliage color in the winter
but can tend to bronze alittle in the winter. The American
Arborvitae flowers/fruit are .5" erect female cones. The
American Arborvitae has strong wood, casts dense shade, and has
red bark when young. Arborvitae do not tolerate salt spray.
These arborvitae should outlive even your children.