Weeping arborvitae typically refers to a variety of the Thuja genus of evergreen trees and shrubs. It is scientifically known as Thuja occidentalis ‘Pendula and is known for its drooping or weeping foliage. This distinctive appearance, as stated earlier, is characterized by long, drooping branches that create a graceful, cascading effect. They are often used in landscaping for their unique appearance and ability to add texture and interest to gardens and yards.
It is a cultivar of the Eastern Arborvitae native to North America. This cultivar is popular in landscaping for its ornamental value, adding a dramatic and elegant touch to gardens, parks, and other outdoor spaces.
The name “weeping arborvitae” stems from the tree’s appearance, with its branches resembling tears or the flowing drapes of a weeping willow. The term “arborvitae” itself is Latin for “tree of life,” a reference to the historical medicinal uses of the Eastern Arborvitae by Indigenous peoples. You can find weeping arborvitae cultivated in various regions where the climate is suitable, including North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. They thrive in well-drained soil and prefer full to partial sunlight, making them adaptable to a range of environments.
How does weeping arborvitae differ from other types of arborvitae?
One unique kind of arborvitae is the weeping arborvitae. Unlike other arborvitae trees, the foliage on this kind of arborvitae droops and hangs from several stalks. It doesn’t appear to be an arborvitae at first glance. But a closer examination of the leaves, which resemble scales, reveals its origins. This tree is not a good windbreak or privacy hedge.
Features and Attributes of Weeping Arborvitae
In this section, we shall discuss the feature and attributes of the weeping arborvitae, ranging from its ornamental features to its physical features and also stating its attributes.
1. Ornamental Features
The miniature conifer Weeping Threadleaf Arborvitae is prized for its cascading growth habit in gardens and landscapes. Its evergreen foliage is a lush green color that turns light green in the spring. All winter long, the foliage’s thread-like sprays hold their green color.
2. Physical Features
In here, we list out some characteristics that can easily help one identify a weeping arborvitae tree anywhere it is seen. So this include:
- Green threadlike foliage on pendulous branches providing a light, airy feature.
- Height of about 7-8 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide.
- They grow under full sun to part shade
- They have hair strangs like hair
- It could also be known as Eastern White Cedar.
- It grows on an average-to-moist condition.
- It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution.
- Under ideal conditions, one can be expected to live for 50 years or more
3. Landscape Attributes
Weeping Threadleaf Arborvitae is a multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a shapely form and gracefully arching branches.It gives the landscape composition a really delicate and fine texture, and for that reason alone, it can be a superb accent feature.
This plant requires very little upkeep. When pruning is required, it’s best to only eliminate any dieback and clip back the current season’s new growth. It doesn’t have any noteworthy drawbacks.
The following landscape uses are suggested for Weeping Threadleaf Arborvitae:
- Accent Planting and
- Growing in a General Garden
Guide and Care of Weeping Arborvitae
Here are the tips one needs to know in order to take care of a weeping arborvitae tree effectively
Planting
The weeping arborvitae is a unique kind of tree that needs its own special care. For example, the weeping arborvitae root flares are often buried too deep in nursery containers. We strongly encourage pulling the excess soil away from the trunk to expose the root flare in order to determine the correct planting depth.
Season (Summer/ Spring) Watering
Water is more commonly needed by arborvitae than by other plants. These shrubs or trees won’t receive enough water from drip irrigation. When daily highs regularly surpass 70°F, steadily wet each individual shrub deeply with a hose until ponding happens.
The first year of planting, watering should be done every one to two days; in the second year, every two to three times a week; and the third, once a week. As soon as the weather turns chilly, start watering less frequently.
Ferterlizing
During the first growing season, apply fertilizer such as Fertilome Root Stimulator, which is a very good fertilizer.
You should also use of fertilizer that serves as plant food throughout the second growing season. Use any other balanced all-purpose fertilizer with an acidifier product (such as gypsum, sulfur, etc.) during the third growing season.
Pruning
In late spring or early summer, when the new growth starts to flush, general shaping and minor pruning can be completed.
For the remainder of the season, pruning should be done sparingly. Thorough trimming ought to be undertaken alone prior to the shrubs breaking their dormant state in late winter or early spring. Dead branches are always welcome to be removed.
Winter Care And Watering
In late November or early December, apply an anti-transpirant to help protect Arborvitae from winter cold/dry damage.
Before the first heavy snowfall, wrap Arborvitae with 2” or 4” burlap to hold branches upright and prevent damage from snow load. Arborvitae need to be watered in the winter; normal snowfall is not enough moisture to keep them alive.
Apply at least 1/2 gallon of water per foot of shrub height every other week. For example, a 6-foot shrub needs 3 or more gallons of water per watering.
Cultivation and Propagation of Weeping Arborvitae
What is the best method of propagation in weeping arborvitae?
The process of creating new plants from a variety of materials, including seeds, cuttings, bulbs, or tissue cultures, is referred to as propagation. It includes methods that enable the reproduction and growth of plant populations for landscape design, farming, or conservation initiatives.
Plants can be improved through selective breeding, genetic preservation, or propagation, all of which add to the diversity and sustainability of plant life.
propagation is the process of creating new plants from existing ones. There are two main methods:
- Sexual Propagation: This involves the use of seeds or spores produced by the plant’s reproductive organs. It’s the natural way plants reproduce and involves pollination, fertilization, and seed formation.
- Asexual Propagation: This method involves creating new plants from vegetative parts of the parent plant, such as stems, leaves, or roots. Examples include cutting, layering, grafting, and tissue culture.
- Asexual propagation allows for the production of genetically identical clones of the parent plant.
- Both methods have their advantages and are used in different situations depending on factors like plant species, desired traits, and environmental conditions.
It is quite simple to propagate arborvitae using a variety of techniques. The majority of cultivars can be easily rooted in the mid- to late-summer under light mist or in the late fall or early winter. The method of propagation is fine and effective.
The most effective method of propagation is ‘cutting’ which is an asexual propagation method.
This method involves selecting an existing, healthy plant or tree (i.e., the weeping arborvitae) and tearing it down to shreds, getting hundreds and hundreds of cuttings from each plant. These small cuttings of the tree are now replanted back into the soil and under proper care and observation, they would grow to become just like the tree that was torn down.
Also, it is good to note that these cuttings should be about 5 inches long. Make sure the parent arborvitae you take your cuttings from is healthy and disease-free. It’s advisable to take cuttings to propagate from a mature weeping arborvitae in late to mid-summer or early to late fall.
So let me just give you a quick overview on how to go about this method of propagation.
- Leave a good amount of leaves at the top of each cutting after removing the lowest leaves from each branch.
- After cutting, it’s critical to maintain the fresh arborvitae cuttings’ moisture content. By doing this, you can keep them from drying out too much before you plant them in your soil.
- To allow the arborvitae cuttings to grow new roots, plant each one in the soil of your garden. Cuttings should be planted as soon as possible after being cut. This is the time to add dependable root starts to your cuttings.
- Select a location that will provide the arborvitae with full-to-partial sun. Planting arborvitae cuttings in coarse sand with enough drainage is ideal.
- When reproducing multiple arborvitae to be planted in a different location later on, make sure to space the new cuttings sufficiently apart. By doing this, they can spread out and grow apart without coming into contact. This will encourage the arborvitae clippings to grow new roots even more.
- Apply a light mist of water to the planted cuttings as soon as possible. After that, give the soil regular irrigation to keep it nicely damp but not soggy.
- For the duration of your region’s growth season, keep watering. In the chilly winter months, there’s no need to water. If these things are done efficiently, the next spring should produce your freshly propagated weeping arborvitae, which will be prepared for transplanting.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Weeping Arborvitae stands out among its counterparts for its graceful, cascading foliage and its ability to add elegance to any landscape. Originating from its distinct name and found in various regions, this cultivar boasts unique ornamental features that set it apart from other arborvitae. Its slender, drooping branches create a captivating visual display, making it a prized addition to gardens and outdoor spaces.
To ensure its longevity and vibrancy, proper care is essential, including regular watering, pruning, and soil maintenance. Additionally, the cutting method of propagation offers an accessible means of expanding one’s garden with this desirable plant. By incorporating weeping arborvitae into their landscapes, enthusiasts can enjoy its beauty year-round while benefiting from its low-maintenance nature.
