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Thuja Virginian™ (Baby Giant)

$6995 $15995
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Your Plants are Guaranteed to Grow

Your plants are guaranteed to arrive happy & healthy with our 1 Year Warranty. Your order will arrive healthy and stay healthy while they adapt to your climate. If your tree arrives damaged or dies within 30 days, we'll replace it for free. If it dies after 30 days, but before 1 year, we will replace it for just 50% of the current price.

Free Shipping on All Orders

Relax... we've got you covered with free shipping on every order! We ship out so many huge plants, we've negotiated a low rate with our carriers... and we pass those savings on to you! Your plants will ship out the next business day... expertly packed so that your plants will arrive happy and healthy!

Is Now a Good Time to Plant?

Yes! Fall is one of the best times to plant!

Landscaping experts often recommend planting in fall instead of waiting until spring. Here’s why:

  • Cooler weather puts less stress on newly planted trees and shrubs.
  • Fall soil is still warm, which helps roots grow and get established.
  • Cooler temperatures mean less water is lost through the leaves, making it easier for plants to stay hydrated.
  • Even after top growth slows for winter, roots continue developing below ground.
  • Fall weather often brings more rain and less heat, making new plants easier to care for.
  • By spring, your plants already have a head start. Their established roots can support strong new leaves, branches, and flowers.
  • Trees planted in spring must establish their roots while also dealing with rising temperatures and summer heat.

Plant this fall, and your trees can spend the cooler months getting settled instead of waiting until spring to get started!

Planting your Thuja Virginian™ (Baby Giant)

Planting Instructions for Thuja Virginian™

  1. Choosing the Right Location: Plant Thuja Virginian in full sun for the densest, most uniform growth. It can handle some partial shade, but trees in heavier shade grow thinner and more open. Choose a sunny spot along a fence line or property border, and allow for its mature size of about 12 to 15 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide.
  2. Soil Preparation: Thuja Virginian adapts to a range of soils but grows best in well-drained ground with moderate moisture. Avoid low spots where water stands after rain, since soggy roots can lead to root rot. Loosen the soil in a wide area and mix in compost if the ground is heavy clay.
  3. Planting: Dig each hole about twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Set the tree so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil, then backfill and firm gently. For a dense privacy hedge, space trees about 3 to 4 feet apart, measured trunk to trunk, so neighbors knit into a continuous green wall.
  4. Mulching and First Watering: Water deeply right after planting to settle the soil. Spread 2 to 3 inches of mulch over the root zone, keeping it a few inches off the trunk. Mulch helps keep the roots evenly moist and reduces competition from weeds and grass while the tree establishes.

Care Instructions

  1. Watering: During the first year, water deeply once a week, and more often during dry weather. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. After establishment, Thuja Virginian is drought tolerant and usually needs extra water only during long dry spells.
  2. Fertilizing: Feed with a balanced fertilizer in early spring to keep the foliage deep green and support steady, healthy growth. Spread it evenly over the root zone and water it in. Skip late-summer feeding so new growth has time to harden off before winter.
  3. Pest and Disease Monitoring: Check the foliage now and then for bagworms or spider mites, particularly in hot, dry summers. Hand-pick bagworm cases when you see them. Browning on the inside of the tree in fall is usually normal needle shed, but widespread browning can signal drought stress or waterlogged roots.

Maintenance and Long-Term Care

  1. Pruning: Thuja Virginian does not need pruning. It naturally grows in a tidy, uniform, conical shape, which makes it a low-maintenance choice for hedges and screens. If you want a more formal look, lightly trim the outer growth, but regular shearing is not required to keep it full.
  2. Winter Care: Hardy in USDA zones 5 through 8, Thuja Virginian holds its rich green color year-round, even in harsh winter weather. Water deeply in late fall before the ground freezes so the tree enters winter well hydrated. Brush off heavy, wet snow to keep branches from bending.
  3. Growing in Containers: Thanks to its compact, narrow size, Thuja Virginian grows well in containers. Use a large pot with drainage holes and a well-draining potting mix, and water more often than in-ground trees since containers dry out faster. Potted trees make attractive privacy accents on patios, decks, and balconies.

Additional Tips for Growing Thuja Virginian™

  1. Privacy Spacing: Plant about 3 to 4 feet apart for a solid privacy hedge. Because each tree matures at only 4 to 6 feet wide, this spacing lets branches meet into a continuous screen within a few seasons. For a looser row where individual trees stay visible, space them about 5 to 6 feet apart.
  2. Choosing Virginian over Green Giant: Thuja Virginian is a narrower, shorter sport of Thuja Green Giant with the same fast growth and dense evergreen foliage. It tops out around 12 to 15 feet tall, which makes it the better choice for small yards, tight property lines, and containers.
  3. Holiday Decorating: With its classic conical shape and full foliage, a potted Thuja Virginian can double as a living Christmas tree on a porch or patio. Keep it outdoors, water it regularly, and use outdoor-rated lights.
What Customers say about the Thuja Virginian™ (Baby Giant):

The Thuja Virginian™ (Baby Giant) thrives in Zones 5-8

Growing Zones for the Thuja Virginian™ (Baby Giant)

If you live in the green area above, we recommend the Thuja Virginian™ (Baby Giant).

Your Growing Zone
Recommended Zones 5-8
Mature Height 12-15 ft.
Mature Width 4-6 ft.
Cannot Ship To AZ, OR
Sunlight Full Sun
Botanical Name Thuja occidentalis 'Virginian'

Plants that Make a Difference

For 20+ years, our team has shipped healthy, established plants to gardeners like you- all across the country. Every plant is selected and cared for by our plant experts before it ships to your door.

  • 20+ Years Experience

  • Superior Quality

  • Free Shipping on All Orders

  • Guaranteed to Grow

A single baby giant thuja Virginian tree in a grassy open yard with another evergreen in the background that is much more wide than the baby giant thuja for scale.

Beware- not all Thuja Virginian™ Trees are the same.

Be sure to get superior evergreens, grown by experts.

Better Roots Make Stronger Plants: Some nurseries send you "bare root" evergreens to save on shipping. Even worse, others have started digging them right out of the ground before shipping. This causes major transplant shock and long-term damage. We send you Thuja Virginian™ Trees in soil-filled containers- ensuring a well-developed root system that will explode with growth!

Healthy Plants: We've seen other nurseries grow tall evergreens in tiny pots to save on shipping. This leads to a "root bound" tree, where the roots have outgrown their pot- they cannot absorb water and nutrients. They quickly dry out during shipment, leading to an unhealthy tree.

Virginian Arborvitae (Baby Giant Thuja) Row and Alternate Planting Guide with views of the planting styles from eye level and overhead views.

Thuja Virginian™ is a narrower, shorter sport of Thuja Green Giant- the same fast, dense privacy in a smaller footprint.

  • Slim privacy tree: 12-15 ft. tall but only 4-6 ft. wide
  • Fast-growing and fills in fuller from top to bottom than many privacy trees
  • Solid green wall: plant 3-4 ft. apart for a dense privacy hedge
  • No pruning required; hardy in zones 5-8 and handles Southern heat and humidity

Not all plants are created equal

The Difference Is in the Roots

Every plant we ship has grown in a nursery container with its roots protected, so it arrives healthy, established and ready to thrive in your yard.

A full, branched Nationwide Plants tree in a nursery pot next to a thin bare-root tree with exposed roots Ours: container grown Theirs: bare root
Nationwide Plants Other Nurseries
How it's grown Grown in a nursery container, roots protected the whole time Pulled or dug from the field, tearing fragile roots
How it arrives Arrives in its pot with soil intact Arrives bare root, exposed and drying out
Before shipping Growing naturally until it ships Held dormant in a cooler, then shocked by a hot shipping box
Root health Strong, well-developed roots with room to grow Crammed into a small pot until it's root bound
Height Measured from the top of the soil Often includes the pot and roots
After planting Settles in quickly with less transplant shock Arrives stressed and can take years to recover, if it does

The height you see is the height you plant.

We measure every plant from the top of the soil, not the bottom of the pot. Many nurseries include the pot and roots, so a "5–6 ft." tree from them might stand only 4 ft. tall once it's planted.

Comparisons reflect common practices across the online plant industry, not any single company.

Nationwide Plants sizing comparison showing differences between Nationwide Plants measurement structure and some misleading ways other companies might measure height.

Honest Measurements: Some nurseries measure trees including the pot and roots, so their "4-5 ft." tree may only be about half that size when planted. We measure all of our plants from the soil line, so the height you see is what you can expect after planting.

From our nursery to your door

How We Ship Your Plants

Every order is hand-selected, watered and carefully packed so it arrives healthy and ready to plant. Here's what happens after you place your order.

  1. Hand-Picked for You

    Our team selects the best plant available for your order. For privacy trees, that's the tallest and fullest. For fruit trees, it's the best branched.

    Why it matters: Many online nurseries ship whatever is next in the row.

  2. A Deep Drink Before the Trip

    Every plant gets a thorough watering right before it's packed, so it starts the journey fully hydrated.

  3. Roots Sealed In

    We wrap the pot and roots in plastic to lock in moisture, so your plant has water to drink all the way to your door.

    Why it matters: Bare-root plants are often shipped with their roots exposed and drying out.

  4. Braced for the Ride

    Cardboard inserts are secured inside every box to hold your plant in place, so it won't slide, tip or get damaged in transit.

  5. Shipped Only by FedEx

    We ship your trees exclusively with FedEx. We've found they deliver the fastest and handle live plants the most gently.

And if anything goes wrong, every plant is backed by our 1 Year Warranty.

Healthy Roots Make a Huge Difference

  • Never buy bare-root plants. These trees are starved of nutrients, and have a low survival rate.
  • Beware of nurseries cut corners by growing in small pots. These "rootbound" plants are weak, struggle to absorb nutrients, and die quickly after planting.
  • Some nurseries try to sell oversized plants, but chop off vital roots so they can cram the rootball into a narrow box to save on shipping!

You Want Thuja Virginian™ Trees Grown by Experts

Some nurseries ship tall but skinny arborvitae that were grown in tiny pots to save money. These "root bound" trees struggle after planting and take much longer to fill in your privacy screen.

Nationwide Plants only sends you strong Thuja Virginian™ Trees, selected and cared for by our plant experts, with healthy, developed root systems. That means they settle in quickly and start building your evergreen privacy wall sooner.

How many Thuja Virginian™ (Baby Giant) do I need?

Plan your privacy screen in three quick steps.

2What look do you want?
3How far apart will you plant them?

Enter your length to see how many trees you need.

Read more about the Thuja Virginian™ (Baby Giant)

Thuja Virginian (Baby Giant) – The Perfect Compact, Fast-Growing Hedge for Privacy and Protection

Enjoy Year-Round Privacy and Beauty with the Thuja Virginian

The Thuja Virginian is a newly developed sport of the popular Thuja ‘Green Giant’, offering all the benefits of its parent variety in a narrower, shorter form. This evergreen tree is ideal for creating dense privacy screens and windbreaks in smaller spaces, growing faster and fuller from top to bottom without the need for pruning. Whether you're looking to create a natural barrier or simply enhance your landscape, the Thuja Virginian provides the perfect solution with its versatility, beauty, and practicality.

Key Benefits of Thuja Virginian

  • Compact, Fast-Growing: While it grows just as fast as ‘Green Giant after ten years, Thuja Virginian stays more compact, making it ideal for smaller spaces.
  • Perfect for Privacy and Wind Protection: Its dense, full foliage creates an excellent natural barrier, offering superior privacy and protection from wind and sound.
  • No Pruning Required: This low-maintenance tree grows uniformly and does not require pruning, making it an easy choice for hassle-free landscaping.
  • Heat and Humidity Tolerant: Thrives in Southern climates, standing up to heat and humidity while maintaining its rich green color year-round.
  • Christmas Tree Potential: With its classic, conical shape and full, lush foliage, Thuja Virginian can also be shaped into a charming Christmas tree for the holiday season.

Ideal Placement and Uses

The Thuja Virginian thrives in sunny to partially shaded areas and is versatile enough to be used in various ways throughout your landscape. It’s ideal for:

  • Hedges and Privacy Screens: Its dense foliage and fast growth make it perfect for creating a tall, natural privacy hedge or windbreak.
  • Sound Barriers: If you're looking for noise reduction, the Thuja Virginian acts as an effective sound barrier.
  • Containers: Thanks to its compact size, this tree grows well in containers, allowing you to add privacy and greenery to patios, decks, or small yards.
  • Landscaping: Use in formal gardens or as a striking backdrop to flower beds, providing year-round structure and greenery.

Growing Tips for Thuja Virginian

  • Sunlight Requirements: Plant in a location that gets full sun to partial shade for optimal growth and health.
  • Soil and Watering: Tolerant of a range of soils, Thuja Virginian prefers well-drained soil and moderate moisture. Once established, it is fairly drought-tolerant.
  • Fertilizing: Feed with a balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth and deep green foliage.
  • No Pruning Needed: The tree’s naturally tidy shape makes pruning unnecessary, but light trimming can be done if desired.

Order Your Thuja Virginian Today!

Create the perfect natural privacy screen or windbreak with Thuja Virginian! At Nationwide Plants, we offer full and dense liners that are ready to thrive in your garden or landscape. With fast shipping and excellent customer service, it’s never been easier to enjoy the beauty and benefits of this fast-growing, compact tree.

Order now and experience the superior privacy, protection, and elegance of Thuja Virginian in your outdoor space!

Frequently Asked Questions about the Thuja Virginian™ (Baby Giant)

How tall does a Thuja Virginian get?

Thuja Virginian typically reaches 12 to 15 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide at maturity. It is a narrower, shorter sport of the popular Thuja Green Giant, so it delivers dense evergreen privacy in yards where a full-size Green Giant would take up too much room. Its compact width fits along fences and property lines.

How fast does Thuja Virginian grow?

Thuja Virginian is a fast-growing evergreen that grows as quickly as its parent, Thuja Green Giant, while staying more compact. It fills in fuller from top to bottom than many privacy trees, so a row can become a solid screen within a few seasons. Full sun and deep watering in the first year help it grow at its best.

How far apart should I plant Thuja Virginian for a privacy hedge?

For a dense privacy hedge, plant Thuja Virginian about 3 to 4 feet apart, measured trunk to trunk. Because each tree matures at only 4 to 6 feet wide, this spacing lets neighboring trees knit together into a continuous green wall. For a looser screen with individual trees visible, space them farther apart, about 5 to 6 feet.

What growing zones is Thuja Virginian hardy in?

Thuja Virginian grows in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 8. It holds its rich green color year-round, even in harsh winter weather, and it also stands up well to Southern heat and humidity. That combination makes it a dependable privacy tree for a wide range of climates across the country.

Does Thuja Virginian need full sun?

Thuja Virginian performs best in full sun, which produces the densest, most uniform growth for privacy screening. It can handle some partial shade, but trees in heavier shade tend to grow thinner and more open. For a solid hedge, choose a sunny spot along your fence line or property border that gets several hours of direct light.

How often should I water a newly planted Thuja Virginian?

Water a newly planted Thuja Virginian deeply once a week during its first year, and more often during dry weather. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. Once established, it is drought tolerant and usually needs extra water only during long dry spells. A layer of mulch helps keep roots evenly moist.

Does Thuja Virginian need to be pruned?

No, Thuja Virginian does not need pruning. It naturally grows in a tidy, uniform, conical shape, which makes it a low-maintenance choice for hedges and screens. If you prefer a more formal look, you can lightly trim the outer growth, but regular shearing is not required to keep it full and attractive.

What is the difference between Thuja Virginian and Thuja Green Giant?

Thuja Virginian is a newer sport of Thuja Green Giant that grows in a narrower, shorter form. It offers the same fast growth and dense evergreen foliage, but tops out around 12 to 15 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide. That makes it the better choice for smaller yards, tight property lines, and containers.

What kind of soil does Thuja Virginian need?

Thuja Virginian adapts to a range of soil types but grows best in well-drained soil with moderate moisture. Avoid low spots where water stands after rain, since soggy roots can lead to root rot. A balanced fertilizer applied in early spring helps keep the foliage deep green and supports steady, healthy growth.

Can Thuja Virginian grow in a container?

Yes, Thuja Virginian grows well in containers thanks to its compact, narrow size. Use a large pot with drainage holes and a well-draining potting mix, and water more often than in-ground trees, since containers dry out faster. Potted trees make attractive privacy accents on patios, decks, and balconies, and can even be decorated at the holidays.
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