Family

Cupressaceae

Description

This dwarf cultivar of eastern arborvitae forms a dense, rounded shrub that rarely exceeds 3 feet in height. Its slow growth rate and tidy, globe-like shape make it ideal for foundation plantings, low hedges, or formal garden borders. The foliage maintains a soft, fine texture and rich green color through most of the year, bronzing slightly in winter. ‘Hetz Midget’ is valued for its low maintenance requirements and adaptability to a variety of soil conditions.

Native to eastern North America, Thuja occidentalis naturally occurs in limestone-rich forests, wetlands, and rocky slopes. While the straight species can grow into towering conifers, compact cultivars like ‘Hetz Midget’ have become staples in cultivated landscapes due to their manageable size and tolerance of urban stressors. They benefit from full sun and consistent moisture, but are also resilient to pruning and variable conditions once established.