Thuja morgan

Description:

Thuja 'Morgan,' commonly known as Morgan Arborvitae, is a compact and colorful evergreen shrub that is highly valued for its year-round interest and low-maintenance nature. This variety of Thuja is particularly known for its changing foliage color, which transitions from bright green in the warmer months to vibrant shades of orange, bronze, and gold during the cooler seasons. It is a popular choice for small gardens, borders, and rockeries due to its tidy, conical shape and striking seasonal color changes.

Flowers:

Thuja 'Morgan' is primarily grown for its foliage, and any flowers produced are inconspicuous. The plant does not produce showy blooms, as its main ornamental feature is the colorful foliage.

Foliage:

The foliage of Thuja 'Morgan' is dense and finely textured, with soft, scale-like leaves that form flattened sprays. The leaves are bright green during the growing season, providing a lush and vibrant backdrop in the garden. As temperatures drop in autumn and winter, the foliage takes on warm hues of orange, bronze, and gold, creating a dynamic and colorful display throughout the colder months.

Fruit:

Thuja 'Morgan' may produce small, inconspicuous cones, which are typically not considered ornamental. The cones are small, oval, and brown, adding little to the overall aesthetic of the plant.

Form and Size:

This Thuja variety is a slow-growing, compact shrub that typically reaches a height of 1 to 1.5 meters, with a similar spread. It has a naturally conical shape, which makes it an excellent choice for formal gardens or as a specimen plant in smaller spaces. The tidy growth habit requires little to no pruning to maintain its form.

Growing Conditions:

Thuja 'Morgan' thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-draining soil. It is adaptable to a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as they are not waterlogged. This plant is drought-tolerant once established but will benefit from regular watering during prolonged dry periods. Thuja 'Morgan' is hardy and can withstand cold winters, making it suitable for a wide range of climates.

Uses:

Morgan Arborvitae is versatile and can be used in a variety of garden settings. It is perfect for use as a low hedge, in mixed borders, or as an accent plant in rock gardens. Its changing foliage color adds seasonal interest, making it a focal point in the landscape year-round. Thuja 'Morgan' also performs well in containers, where its compact size and striking colors can be enjoyed up close.

Maintenance:

Thuja 'Morgan' is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. It naturally maintains its conical shape, so pruning is rarely needed. Regular watering during the first year will help establish the plant, after which it becomes more drought-tolerant. Occasional feeding with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer will promote healthy growth and vibrant foliage. The plant is generally pest-resistant and hardy in a variety of conditions.

Notes:

Thuja 'Morgan' is a popular choice for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance, evergreen shrub with year-round interest. Its ability to change color with the seasons makes it a unique and valuable addition to any garden. The plant is also deer-resistant, adding to its appeal in areas where deer browsing is a concern.

Companion Plants:

Pair Thuja 'Morgan' with other evergreens like dwarf pines or junipers for a cohesive look, or contrast it with colorful perennials such as lavender, echinacea, or sedum to create a vibrant garden display. It also works well alongside ornamental grasses and flowering shrubs that provide complementary textures and colors.

Common Name: Morgan Arborvitae
Botanical Name: Thuja 'Morgan'
Family: Cupressaceae
Origin: Cultivated variety (likely Australia)

Read more Read less