Plant of the week: Thuja Orientalis ‘Weedom’
Plant of the week
Thuja orientalis "Weedom"
Why you should plant it
If we all need the brilliance of the sun to perk up dark, wintry days, Weedom, a shining addition to a garden, needs it in spades. I wanted it so badly for mine, but it really must have a lot of sun to keep the colour. The pyramidal shape stays as is without any pruning, making it ideal for a small (sunny) garden. Conifers hold their shape all winter, they look magnificent with frost on them and no garden should be without several of them.
Where to plant it
In sun, sun, sun and in soil with good drainage. Although it likes moist soils, it doesn't tolerate wet ones. This is called a dwarf, but it grows to two metres high and 1.5 metres wide, so make sure it has room over the next 10 years to fill out its space. Make sure to plant just one per spot. Several of them together would be too much.
What it offers
Its glorious thread-like branchlets keep their shape in all seasons. It can turn to a pure gold in the winter sun. When you touch it, it is aromatic, so keep it close. Like all conifers, it will extend the season of your garden. It has a wonderful, solid form without being imposing. It will make you feel happy all winter.
Source and cost
Get it for $60 at Whistling Gardens (www.whistlinggardens.ca) in Wilsonville, Ont.
Visit www.marjorieharris.com for more plant and gardening information.