10 Blue Cone Arborvitae Starter Plug Plants – Platycladus orientalis Bare Root

Overview

Transform your garden into a verdant sanctuary with the exquisite Blue Cone Arborvitae, a compact and upright evergreen known for its year-round beauty. This offering includes 10 Blue Cone Arborvitae starter plugs (Platycladus orientalis ‘Blue Cone’, formerly Thuja orientalis), provided as bare root plants, ready for planting and establishment in your landscape. Renowned for its striking blue-green foliage and unique sky-blue, waxy seed cones that emerge in summer, this arborvitae brings a distinctive aesthetic to any outdoor space. Its elegant columnar form and rich color make it a versatile choice for a variety of landscaping needs, from formal hedges to accent planting. This particular variety of Platycladus orientalis is a robust and visually appealing evergreen, promising to be a highlight in your garden design.

The Blue Cone Arborvitae is a cherished evergreen that offers both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits. Its dense growth habit and vibrant color make it an excellent choice for those seeking an attractive and functional plant. These starter plugs provide an ideal foundation for establishing a thriving collection of these magnificent trees, ensuring a strong start for healthy growth. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just beginning, the rewarding experience of growing arborvitae from these starter plugs is sure to bring joy and beauty to your outdoor living areas.

Key Benefits

The Blue Cone Arborvitae offers a multitude of benefits, making it a highly desirable addition to any garden. Its unique characteristics contribute to both the aesthetic and functional value of your landscape.

• Stunning Visual Appeal: Enjoy the striking blue-green foliage that provides year-round color and texture, making it a focal point in any garden design. The distinctive sky-blue, waxy seed cones add an extra layer of interest during the summer months.
• Excellent Privacy Solution: With its compact and upright growth, the evergreen privacy tree forms dense screens, offering effective visual and sound barriers for enhanced seclusion in your outdoor space.
• Versatile Landscaping Use: Ideal for a variety of applications, including formal hedges, windbreaks, accent plantings, or flanking entryways, showcasing its adaptability to different garden styles.
• Low Maintenance Evergreen: Once established, this arborvitae is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal pruning and attention, making it perfect for busy gardeners.
• Hardy and Resilient: Generally hardy in USDA Zones 5–10 or 6–9, this plant is robust and can withstand a range of environmental conditions, ensuring long-term beauty.
• Wildlife Attraction: The dense foliage provides shelter for small birds and other wildlife, contributing to a healthy ecosystem in your garden.
• Unique Form and Texture: Its columnar shape and fine-textured foliage add architectural interest and a sophisticated touch to your garden’s overall design. The Platycladus orientalis ‘Blue Cone’ is truly a standout.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Proper care is essential for the healthy growth and establishment of your 10 Blue Cone Arborvitae starter plugs. Understanding the specific needs of this evergreen will ensure it thrives in your landscape. The Blue Cone Arborvitae prefers a location with full sun to partial shade, meaning it should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and color. While it tolerates some shade, too much shade can lead to sparser foliage and a less vibrant color. For best results, choose a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Avoid heavy, waterlogged soils, as these can lead to root rot. If your soil is clay-heavy, amend it with compost or other organic materials to improve drainage.

When it comes to watering, consistent moisture is key, especially during the first year after planting. Water deeply and regularly, ensuring the soil remains moist but not saturated. Once established, the Blue Cone Arborvitae is moderately drought-tolerant but will benefit from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release evergreen fertilizer to promote vigorous growth. Follow the product instructions for application rates. Pruning is generally minimal; focus on removing any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Light shaping can be done in late winter or early spring to maintain its desired form. Understanding arborvitae care is crucial for a successful and beautiful planting.

This species is generally hardy in USDA Zones 5–10 or 6–9, making it suitable for a wide range of climates. Protect young plants from harsh winter winds in colder zones. Common problems include bagworms and spider mites; inspect your plants regularly and treat any infestations promptly with appropriate organic or chemical solutions. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. With consistent attention to these growing arborvitae tips, your starter plugs will develop into magnificent, mature trees.

Size & Details

This offering includes 10 Blue Cone Arborvitae starter plugs, provided as bare root plants, ensuring they are ready for immediate planting upon arrival. The Platycladus orientalis ‘Blue Cone’ is a slow-to-medium grower, typically reaching a mature height of 10–15 feet and a width of 6–10 feet. Its compact, upright evergreen form makes it an excellent choice for various landscaping needs. These bare root plants are ideal for establishing a new hedge or adding accent plantings.

Upon receipt, it is recommended to plant the bare root arborvitae as soon as possible to minimize transplant shock and encourage rapid establishment. With proper care and favorable growing conditions, these starter plugs will develop into robust and beautiful trees, enhancing your garden for years to come. The distinctive blue-green foliage and unique cone production will become a cherished feature in your outdoor space, demonstrating successful growing arborvitae.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big does this plant get? A: The Blue Cone Arborvitae typically reaches a mature height of 10–15 feet and a width of 6–10 feet, making it a medium-sized evergreen suitable for various landscape uses. Its slow-to-medium growth rate allows for controlled development.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: The Blue Cone Arborvitae is an outdoor plant, specifically bred for landscape use. It thrives in conditions found in USDA Zones 5–10 or 6–9 and requires ample sunlight and space to grow.
• Q: How much sunlight does it need? A: This plant performs best in full sun to partial shade, meaning it should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Adequate sunlight is crucial for maintaining its vibrant blue-green foliage.
• Q: Is this plant easy to care for? A: Yes, once established, the Blue Cone Arborvitae is considered relatively low-maintenance. It requires consistent watering during its first year but becomes more drought-tolerant thereafter, making arborvitae care straightforward.
• Q: What condition will it arrive in? A: Your order will consist of 10 Blue Cone Arborvitae starter plugs, shipped as bare root plants. This method ensures minimal stress during transit and prepares them for immediate planting.
• Q: When is the best time to plant these starter plugs? A: The best time for planting bare root arborvitae is typically in early spring or fall when the weather is cooler and more conducive to root establishment. This allows the plants to settle before extreme temperatures.
• Q: Will it survive winter in my zone? A: The Platycladus orientalis ‘Blue Cone’ is hardy in USDA Zones 5–10 or 6–9. If your zone falls within this range, it should successfully overwinter with proper care and protection, especially when young.
• Q: Can I use these for a privacy hedge? A: Absolutely! The compact, upright growth habit and dense foliage of the evergreen privacy tree make it an excellent choice for creating effective and attractive privacy screens or formal hedges.
• Q: What kind of soil does this arborvitae prefer? A: It thrives in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Avoid heavy, waterlogged soils to prevent root issues. Amending with compost can significantly improve soil quality for growing arborvitae.
• Q: How often should I water my newly planted arborvitae? A: For the first year after planting, water regularly and deeply to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. This helps the bare root plants establish a strong root system.