Growing Occidentalis -American Arborvitae in New Hope Pa

Like our farm, Highland Hill Farm, New Hope Pa. is located in an area 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.