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In a mulched landscape bed, three specimens of Whip It Good arborvitae, an evergreen with unusual thread like foliage, grow.

Whip It Good aborvitae with thread-like stems in a landscape.

Three Whip It Good aborvitae with dark green stems in a landscape.

Whip It Good thuja with unusual whip-like stems planted in front of a tree and surrounded by mulch.

Three Whip It Good arborvitae with unusual thread like stems in a landscape.

Whip It Good thuja with unusual thread-like foliage planted in a landscape and surrounded by mulch.

A specimen of Whip it Good arborvitae with its unique thread like foliage sits in a wintery landscape.

Meet the Breeder

Dr. John Ruter

WHIP IT GOOD™

Aborvitae

Thuja occidentalis

'RutThu2'

PP#35,030; CBRAF

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Unique foliage
Superior in production
Irresistible appeal at retail

Description

Interesting evergreens are as irresistible to plant geeks in the industry as they are to garden center shoppers, but they aren't always the easiest plant to produce - nor are they, necessarily, the handsomest in terms of container presentation. That's why we are thrilled to offer Whip It Good arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis), which is similar to the classic 'Whipcord' but improved in every way: its thread-like foliage is much longer and more dense, creating a far more appealing habit in the container and landscape. Best of all, it's fast-growing enough, and nice enough in a container, that growers can actually be profitable with it in production. An interesting and unexpected boxwood alternative that's also a landscape plant in its own right. Developed by the University of Georgia.

Preorder only - liners will ship in 2026.

USDA Zone: 3 - 7 (-40°F/-40°C)
Exposure: Full sun, Part sun
Height: 3-5'
Width: 3-5'
Type: Evergreen
Flower Color
Foliage Color: Green
Liner Sizes: 2 1/4", 4", Quick Turn

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

Hedges; screening; 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: New, Evergreen, Compact, Alkaline soil, Clay soil, Native, Winter interest

Filters: Botanical genus: Thuja, Common name: Aborvitae, Retail program: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®, USDA Zone 3, USDA Zone 4, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Green foliage