Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd,' commonly known as the Emerald Green Arborvitae or Eastern White Cedar 'Smaragd,' is an evergreen conifer with a striking columnar shape. It is a popular choice for hedges, screens, and accent plantings due to its compact growth and vibrant green foliage.

Height/Spread: 'Smaragd' typically grows to a height of 3-4 meters (10-13 feet) and has a spread of about 1-1.5 meters (3-5 feet). Its narrow, pyramidal form makes it an excellent choice for smaller gardens or where space is limited.

Position: This Thuja variety thrives in a position that receives full to partial sunlight. It can tolerate a range of light conditions, but for optimal growth and density, providing it with at least six hours of sunlight per day is recommended.

Soil: 'Smaragd' prefers well-draining soil that is fertile and slightly acidic to neutral in pH. It can adapt to different soil types, including clay and sandy soils, as long as they are not excessively waterlogged.

Flowering Season: Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' is an evergreen and does not produce showy flowers. Instead, it displays rich green foliage throughout the year, providing a beautiful backdrop for the landscape.

Uses: The 'Smaragd' variety of Thuja occidentalis is a popular choice for creating elegant hedges, screens, and borders in the Irish climate. Due to its dense growth and narrow form, it can be utilized to create privacy barriers, windbreaks, or to define property lines. Additionally, it can be employed as a striking accent plant, adding a touch of year-round greenery to garden designs.

Specify in the Irish climate: 'Smaragd' is well-suited to the Irish climate, where it can thrive in the temperate conditions. Its evergreen nature ensures that it maintains its green foliage throughout the year, providing structure and color to the landscape, even during the colder months. As with any plant, it is essential to water and care for it appropriately, especially during dry spells or extended periods of drought, to ensure its health and longevity. Overall, Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' is a versatile and visually appealing choice for Irish gardens and landscapes.