Arborvitae, Tater Tot Thuja occidentalis 'SMNTOBAB' Height: 3 feet Spread: 32 inches
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Hardiness Zone: 2b Other Names: Tiny Tot Arborvitae, Eastern White Cedar Description: A beautiful accent shrub for the garden with rich light to medium green foliage that turns a brownish bronze in winter, on a tiny ball-shaped form; captivating in a rock garden Ornamental Features Arborvitae, Tater Tot is a dwarf conifer which is primarily valued in the garden for its decidedly oval form. It has rich green evergreen foliage. The scale-like sprays of foliage turn coppery-bronze in the fall, which persists throughout the winter. Landscape Attributes Arborvitae, Tater Tot is a dense multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a shapely oval form. It lends an extremely fine and delicate texture to the landscape composition which should be used to full effect. This is a relatively low maintenance shrub. When pruning is necessary, it is recommended to only trim back the new growth of the current season, other than to remove any dieback. It has no significant negative characteristics. Arborvitae, Tater Tot is recommended for the following landscape applications; Planting & Growing Arborvitae, Tater Tot will grow to be about 3 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 32 inches. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 30 years. This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. This plant should be periodically fertilized throughout the active growing season with a specially-formulated acidic fertilizer. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selection of a native North American species. Special Attributes Arborvitae don't do well if they aren't well watered regularly. Evergreens need to be watered during the winter. Our desert climate especially in late winter to early spring evergreens can suffer during next growing season. An easy way to remember check for dryness on the holidays Halloween, Thanksgiving, New Year's Day, Valentines Day & Easter.
