Return to Plant Finder

Meet the Breeder

Gabriel Cesarini
Phytoecology Nursery, Ridgely, MD, USA

FIRE CHIEF™

Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis

'Congabe'

PP#19,009

Swipe to View More

Fire Chief arborvitae forms a glowing rounded shape in the landscape

A closeup of the evergreen red yellow and green foliage of Fire Chief thuja

Colorful foliage
Evergreen
Versatile habit

Description: Finally! A durable orange globe arborvitae! Fire Chief™ arborvitae is a sport of 'Rheingold' with much brighter spring foliage and a deeper red tinge to the new growth all season. It is also less prone to splitting. Use it to add bright, year-round color and texture to landscapes. Fire Chief™ thuja occidentalis’ versatile habit is perfect for many landscape uses- foundation plantings, specimen, shrub borders, or a hedge.

USDA Zone: 5 - 9 (-20°F/-6°C)
Exposure: Full sun, Part sun
Height: 4 - 4.5'
Width: 4 - 4.5'
Finish Time: 1.5 seasons
Type: Evergreen
Flower Color
Foliage Color: Yellow
Liner Sizes: 2 1/4", 4"

General Care

Soil

Adaptable in terms of pH; best growth is in moderately moist, cool, fertile soils.

Pruning

Does not strictly require pruning, though it does tolerate it well. Prune in spring before new growth begins.

Uses

Mixed borders; foundation plantings; specimen.

Growing Tips

Tolerates heat and drought once established. Keep watered after pruning to minimize browning; this is also an effective strategy to minimize winter damage to foliage in cold areas.

Features: Evergreen, Salt tolerant, Winter interest, Alkaline soil, Clay soil, Native

Filters: Botanical genus: Thuja, Common name: Arborvitae, Retail program: Local Roots®, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, USDA Zone 9, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Yellow foliage