Sugar and Spice? Thuja - Thuja occidentalis 'Sugar and Spice'

Sugar and Spice™ Thuja (Thuja occidentalis 'Sugar and Spice')

This compact evergreen shrub brings year-round visual interest with its luminous green foliage and striking reddish-brown stems. Perfect for gardeners working with limited space, the Sugar and Spice™ Thuja grows into a naturally narrow, columnar form that needs no shaping or maintenance to look polished. You can buy Sugar and Spice™ Thuja online and have it delivered to create elegant focal points, privacy barriers, or welcoming container displays at your home's entrance.

Landscaping Uses

This upright shrub excels in small gardens, foundation plantings, and container gardening near doorways and patios. Plant it along property lines or in groups spaced 2.5 feet apart to establish a sophisticated privacy hedge. It's equally suited to rock gardens, drought-tolerant landscapes, and conifer collections, bringing vertical structure and refined texture to any garden design.

Specifications

Height: 12 feet
Width: 4 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Low maintenance once established
Soil: Well-draining
USDA Zones: 3–8

Why Homeowners Love It

• Maintains an attractive cone shape without pruning or regular trimming
• Naturally pest-resistant and heat-tolerant for carefree growing
• Compact size makes it ideal for smaller yards and tight spaces
• Releases a pleasant fragrance when foliage is brushed or clipped

Planting & Care

Choose a location with full sun exposure and well-draining soil for best results, though the plant tolerates partial shade. Dig a planting hole twice the root ball's width and matching its depth, then center the shrub and backfill with soil, adding mulch around the base to retain moisture. Water weekly during the first 1–2 months while the plant becomes established; increase frequency during heat waves. Once settled, it requires little supplemental water except in containers or drought conditions. Apply a balanced evergreen fertilizer in spring to support vigorous growth.