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Description
Thuja Occidentalis Holmstrup, also known as Holmstrup Eastern Arborvitae, is a cultivar of Thuja Occidentalis, a species of tree in the cypress family. It is a slow-growing evergreen with a narrow, conical shape and a compact habit. The foliage of Thuja Occidentalis Holmstrup is dark green and scale-like, and it produces small, brown cones.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pinophyta |
| Class | Pinopsida |
| Order | Pinales |
| Family | Cupressaceae |
| Genus | Thuja |
Appearance
Thuja Occidentalis Holmstrup is a slow-growing evergreen tree that can reach a height of 10-15 feet and a width of 3-4 feet. It has a narrow, conical shape with a compact habit, making it an ideal choice for small gardens or as a specimen plant. The foliage is dark green and scale-like, and the tree produces small, brown cones. In the fall and winter, the foliage may turn bronze or brownish-green.
Care Guide
Thuja Occidentalis Holmstrup is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for keeping your tree healthy:- Water: Thuja Occidentalis Holmstrup prefers moist, well-drained soil. Water deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in the fall and winter.- Fertilization: Apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring, and again in mid-summer.- Soil: Thuja Occidentalis Holmstrup prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5. Amend the soil with organic matter before planting.- Sunlight: Thuja Occidentalis Holmstrup prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate shade, but the foliage may become sparse.- Hardiness Zones: Thuja Occidentalis Holmstrup is hardy in USDA zones 3-7.
Common Pests & Diseases
Thuja Occidentalis Holmstrup is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to the following:- Bagworms: These caterpillars can defoliate the tree. Handpick and destroy the bags, or apply an insecticide.- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause the foliage to turn yellow or brown. Spray the tree with a strong stream of water, or apply an insecticidal soap.- Cedar apple rust: This fungal disease can cause yellow spots on the foliage. Remove infected leaves, and apply a fungicide.
Habitat
Thuja Occidentalis Holmstrup is native to eastern North America, where it grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, swamps, and rocky slopes. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: How tall does Thuja Occidentalis Holmstrup grow?
A: Thuja Occidentalis Holmstrup can reach a height of 10-15 feet.
Q: Is Thuja Occidentalis Holmstrup resistant to pests and diseases?
A: Yes, Thuja Occidentalis Holmstrup is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it may be susceptible to bagworms, spider mites, and cedar apple rust.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Thuja Occidentalis Holmstrup?
A: Thuja Occidentalis Holmstrup is hardy in USDA zones 3-7.
Q: Can Thuja Occidentalis Holmstrup tolerate shade?
A: Yes, Thuja Occidentalis Holmstrup can tolerate shade, but the foliage may become sparse.
Related Plants
– Thuja Occidentalis ‘Degroot’s Spire’- Thuja Occidentalis ‘Golden Globe’- Thuja Occidentalis ‘Smaragd’- Thuja Occidentalis ‘Techny’
References
– “Thuja Occidentalis ‘Holmstrup’.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 1 June 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c472.- “Eastern Arborvitae.” The Morton Arboretum. Accessed 1 June 2021. https://www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/eastern-arborvitae.- “Thuja Occidentalis.” NC State Extension. Accessed 1 June 2021. https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/thuja-occidentalis-arborvitae.
