Evergreen Hedge Or Screen Plants - University of Arkansas ...

MP510 

Loropetalum chinensis 

Plum Delight® 

Juniperus chinensis 

‘Fairview’ 

Evergreen 

Hedge or 

Screen Plants 

for Arkansas 

Ilex crenata 

‘Sky Pencil’ 

Magnolia grandiflora 

‘Bracken’s Browns Beauty’ 

Elaeagnus xebbingei 

DIVISION OF AGRICULTURE 

RESEARCH & EXTENSION 

University of Arkansas System 

Thuja occidentalis 

University of Arkansas, United States Department of Agriculture, and 

County Governments Cooperating

By: 

Dr. James A. Robbins 

Professor and Extension Horticulture 

Specialist ‐ Ornamentals 

University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture 

Little Rock, Arkansas 

Acknowledgment: Thanks to Stan Brown of Blossomberry Nursery, Clarksville, Arkansas, for providing 

critical input into this publication.

Contents 

Alternative Hedge/Screen Options for Redtip Photinia and Leyland Cypress (table)...................... 

5 

Broadleaf Evergreens ....................................................................................................................................... 7 

Elaeagnus xebbingei .............................................................................................................................................. 7 

Ilex (Hollies) ............................................................................................................................................................. 7 

Ilex cornuta ‘Burfordii’ (Burford Chinese Holly) ............................................................................... 7 

Ilex crenata ‘Sky Pencil’ (Japanese Holly) ............................................................................................ 8 

Ilex opaca (American Holly) ....................................................................................................................... 8 

Ilex xattenuata ‘Fosteri’ (Foster Holly) .................................................................................................. 9 

Ilex x‘Emily Bruner’ (Emily Bruner Holly) ........................................................................................... 9 

Ilex xkoehneana (Koehne Holly) ............................................................................................................... 10 

Ilex x‘Nellie R. Stevens’ (Nellie R. Stevens Holly) ............................................................................... 10 

Ilex xOakland (Holly) .................................................................................................................................. 11 

Illicium parviflorum (Small‐Flowered Anise‐Tree) .................................................................................. 11 

Ligustrum japonicum (Japanese Privet/Waxleaf Privet) ....................................................................... 12 

Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum (Chinese Fringeflower) ................................................................. 12 

Magnolia grandiflora (Southern Magnolia) ................................................................................................ 13 

Magnolia virginiana (Sweetbay Magnolia) .................................................................................................. 13 

Michelia skinneriana (Banana‐shrub) ........................................................................................................... 14 

Myrica cerifera (Southern Waxmyrtle) ......................................................................................................... 14 

Osmanthus (Osmanthus) ..................................................................................................................................... 15 

Photinia serrulata (Chinese Photinia) ........................................................................................................... 15 

Prunus caroliniana (Carolina Cherrylaurel) ............................................................................................... 16 

Ternstroemia gymnanthera (Japenese Ternstroemia) ............................................................................ 16 

Viburnum awabuki ‘Chindo’ (Viburnum) ..................................................................................................... 17 

Viburnum odoratissimum (Viburnum) .......................................................................................................... 17 

Needle-Like Evergreens .................................................................................................................................. 

Chamaecyparis thyoides (Atlantic Whitecedar) ......................................................................................... 

Cryptomeria japonica (Japanese Cryptomeria) ......................................................................................... 

Cupressus arizonica (Arizona Cypress) ......................................................................................................... 

Cupressus sempervirens (Italian Cypress) .................................................................................................... 

Juniperus chinensis (Chinese Juniper) ........................................................................................................... 

Juniperus virginiana (Eastern Redcedar) ..................................................................................................... 

Platycladus orientalis (Oriental Arborvitae) ............................................................................................... 

Podocarpus macrophyllus (Chinese Podocarpus) ..................................................................................... 

Taxus cuspidata (Japanese Yew) ...................................................................................................................... 

Thuja occidentalis (Eastern Arborvitae) ....................................................................................................... 

Thuja x‘Green Giant’ (Arborvitae) ................................................................................................................... 

18 

18 

18 

19 

19 

20 

20 

20 

21 

21 

22 

22

Hedge or Screen Plants 

for Arkansas 

Historically, the two most common landscape 

plants used for hedge or screen purposes in 

Arkansas would be redtip photinia (Photinia 

xfraseri) or Leyland cypress (ΧCupressocyparis 

leylandii). While both of these plants are superb 

hedge or screen plants, both candidates are in 

decline due to disease problems. In the case of 

redtip, the fungal problem is Entomosporium leaf 

spot (FSA6112, Leaf Spot of Redtip Photinia, at 

www.uaex.edu). In some cases, this disease can 

be so serious in Arkansas that a hedge will be 

leafless in June. Gardeners in states west and 

south of Arkansas often have less of a problem 

with this serious disease. The ever‐popular 

Leyland cypress has its own fungal problems 

(Seiridium and Botryosphaeria cankers) that 

make its future equally perilous (FSA7536, 

Branch Canker and Dieback of Leyland Cypress, at 

www.uaex.edu). 

Suggesting alternatives is no short order, and it 

would be misleading to assume that cookie‐cutter 

options lie in wait. However, there are a number of 

plants that fit the mold fairly well (see the table). 

Alternative Hedge/Screen Options for 

Redtip Photinia and Leyland Cypress 

Genus 

Broadleaf Evergreens 

Common Name 

USDA Cold 

Hardiness 

Zone z 

Growth Rate 

Height × 

Width 

Elaeagnus xebbingei Elaeagnus 6-9 Very fast 15' × 15' 

Ilex cornuta 

‘Burfordii’ 

Ilex crenata 

‘Sky Pencil’ or ‘Steeds’ 

Burford Chinese Holly 6-9 Fast 18' × 15' 

Japanese Holly 6-8 Medium 8' × 15' 

Ilex opaca American Holly 5-9 Medium 35' × 15' 

Ilex xattenuata 

‘Fosteri’ 

Foster Holly 

6-9 Medium 

25' × 10' 

Ilex x‘Emily Bruner’ Emily Bruner Holly 7-9 Fast 18' × 10' 

Ilex xkoehneana Koehne Holly (6b)7-9 Medium 20' × 12' 

Ilex x‘Nellie R. Stevens’ Nellie Stevens Holly 6-9 Fast 18' × 12' 

Ilex xOakland Holly 6-9 Medium 14' × 8' 

Illicium parviflorum Small Flowered Anise-tree 7-9 Medium 10' × 7' 

Ligustrum japonicum 

Japanese Privet 

Waxleaf Privet 

7-9 Medium-fast 12' × 12' 

Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum Chinese Fringeflower 7-9 Fast 10' × 10' 

Magnolia grandiflora Southern Magnolia 6-10 Medium-fast 30' × 10' 

z Cold hardiness zone 6b equates to Fayetteville, zone 7 to Little Rock and zone 8 to Hope, Arkansas. 

5

Genus 

Broadleaf Evergreens (cont.) 

Magnolia virginiana 

‘Green Shadow’ or ‘Willowleaf Bay’ 

Alternative Hedge/Screen Options 

for Redtip Photinia and Leyland Cypress 

Common Name 

USDA Cold 

Hardiness 

Zone z 

Growth Rate 

Height × 

Width 

Sweetbay Magnolia 6-9 Medium 25' × 12' 

Michelia skinneriana Banana-Shrub 7-9 Medium to fast 8' × 8' 

Myrica cerifera Southern Waxmyrtle 7-11 Medium to fast 12' × 12' 

Osmanthus Osmanthus 6b-9 Slow to medium 12' × 12' 

Photinia serrulata Chinese Photinia 6-9 Very fast 20' × 20' 

Prunus caroliniana Carolina Cherrylaurel 7-10 Medium 15' × 12' 

Ternstroemia gymnanthera Japanese Ternstroemia 7-9 Slow to medium 9' × 9' 

Viburnum awabuki 

‘Chindo’ 

Viburnum 7-9 

(south only) 

Viburnum odoratissimum Viburnum 8-10 

(south only) 

Needle-Like Evergreens 

Chamaecyparis thyoides 

‘Rachel’ or ‘Emily’ 

Medium to fast 15' × 5' 

Fast 12' × 12' 

Atlantic Whitecedar 4-9 Fast 25' × 12' 

Cryptomeria japonica Japanese Cryptomeria 5-8 Medium to fast 35' × 15' 

Cupressus arizonica 

‘Blue Ice’ 

Cupressus sempervirens 

‘Stricta’ 

Juniperus chinensis 

‘Fairview,’ ‘Keteleeri’ or ‘Iowa’ 

Juniperus virginiana 

‘Idyllwild,’ ‘Manhattan Blue’ or ‘Taylor’ 

Arizona Cypress 6-9 Very fast 35' × 15' 

Italian Cypress 7-9 Medium 20' × 2' 

Chinese Juniper 5-9 Fast 12' × 5' 

Eastern Redcedar 4-9 Fast 15' × 7' 

Platycladus orientalis Oriental Arborvitae 6-9 Medium variable 

Podocarpus macrophyllus Chinese Podocarpus 8-9 

(south only) 

Taxus cuspidata 

‘Capitata’ or ‘Pyramidalis’ 

Thuja occidentalis 

‘Emerald’ 

Medium 15' × 7' 

Japanese Yew 4-6 

Medium 12' × 6' 

(northwest only) 

Eastern Arborvitae 4-7 Slow to medium 15' × 5' 

Thuja x‘Green Giant’ Arborvitae 6-9 Very fast 30' × 8' 

z Cold hardiness zone 6b equates to Fayetteville, zone 7 to Little Rock and zone 8 to Hope, Arkansas. 

6

Broadleaf Evergreens 


This plant, and the thorny elaeagnus (Elaeagnus pungens), are almost interchangeable. They are very 

fast‐growing plants that tolerate a range of soil types. The growth habit may be a concern to some. In the 

spring, this shrub throws off very aggressive, unbranched stems all over the place that require frequent 

pruning. This plant is becoming a standard in most strip mall plantings. Unless pruned otherwise, this 

will be a large (15 feet tall by 15 feet wide), rounded shrub. One benefit of this plant is the extremely 

(equivalent to gardenia) fragrant flowers that develop in late fall. 


Ilex – Hollies 

What better genus to look for broadleaf evergreen options than the hollies. Other holly species such as 

Chinese holly (Ilex cornuta), Japanese holly (I. crenata) and yaupon holly (I. vomitoria) already serve as a 

backbone plant in most Arkansas landscapes. One major cultural consideration needs to be discussed. Most 

of the evergreen hollies are intolerant of poorly drained or heavy soils. If your soil fits this bill, consider 

another plant option or amend the soil appropriately. Remember that most hollies are either male or female 

plants; therefore, you must purchase a female selection if you want the colorful fruits. The major exceptions 

to this are ‘Nellie R. Stevens’ and ‘Burfordii,’ both of which set 

fruit without pollination. 

Ilex cornuta ‘Burfordii’ – Burford Chinese Holly 

Like ‘Nellie R. Stevens,’ this is a standard in the retail 

trade. It can be easily separated from ‘Nellie’ by looking at 

the number of sharp 

teeth on the leaf 

margin. ‘Burfordii’ 

typically has fewer 

teeth. Burford holly 

will tend to be more 

rounded than some 

other hollies. 

Burford Chinese holly 

7

Ilex crenata ‘Sky Pencil’ – Japanese Holly 

This uniquely shaped Japanese holly was originally discovered in the wild on Mount Daisen in Japan. 

The plant was given to a group of plant collectors from the U.S in 1985. In 1992 it was distributed by the 

U.S. National Arboretum. In habit, it is similar to the upright form of Yaupon holly (I. vomitoria ‘Will 

Fleming’); however, ‘Sky Pencil’ splays less. Another cultivar, ‘Steeds,’ would also be a good choice for 

hedging. It is noticeably wider than ‘Sky Pencil’. 

‘Sky Pencil’ Japanese holly 

Ilex opaca (cultivars) – American Holly 

For those individuals who favor using native plants, the American holly provides a good option. Leaf 

color on American holly tends to be a lighter green compared to Chinese holly and Koehne holly. Several 

good selections are available including ‘Cardinal,’ ‘Merry Christmas’ and ‘Greenleaf.’ 

American holly 

8

Ilex xattenuata ‘Fosteri’ – Foster Holly 

Foster holly is probably the most common cone‐shaped holly used in foundation plantings across 

Arkansas. It is typically not used as a hedge plant because of the pyramidal shape and lack of foliage 

density; however, it should not be overlooked for a soft‐textured upright hedge. 

Foster holly 

Ilex x‘Emily Bruner’ – Emily Bruner Holly 

This is a dense, pyramidal‐shaped female clone with red fruits, and it is probably best suited to central 

and southern Arkansas. 

‘Emily Bruner’ holly 

9

Ilex xkoehneana – Koehne Holly 

While rare in the trade, this group of hybrid hollies would make an exceptional screening plant. The 

foliage is typically a very dark green, and the edge of the leaf is lined with distinctive teeth (serration). A 

number of worthy cultivars include ‘Hohman,’ ‘Wirt L. Winn’ and ‘Martha Berry.’ 

‘Martha Berry’ holly 

Ilex x‘Nellie R. Stevens’ 

‘Nellie R. Stevens’ is hard to beat for hedge or screen purposes. ‘Nellie’ is a large broadleaf evergreen with 

a pyramidal shape that can reach 20 feet. This holly is interesting in that it will set fruit without pollination. 

‘Nellie R. Stevens’ holly 

10

Ilex xOakland 

Plant Development Services in Loxley, Alabama, introduced Oakland. Oakland holds a tight pyramidal 

shape with absolutely no pruning. The leaves, which have a sharply serrated margin, hold a clean, deep 

green color year‐round. 

Oakland holly 

Illicium – Anise-Tree 

There are several good options when we mention Illicium. While they may not carry the same size and 

stature as redtip, they are still a worthy broadleaf evergreen option for a medium hedge. The University of 

Arkansas Plant Evaluation Program evaluated the small anise‐tree (I. parviflorum), and the results were not 

stellar. Although trial plants survived in full sun, partial shade sites would be recommended in Arkansas. 

All plants died at the Fayetteville (zone 6b) test site during the winter of 2000‐2001. The statewide results 

are surprising since the small anise‐tree is a medium‐sized hedge that is a staple in the Atlanta, Georgia 

market. Anise‐tree is easy to identify by the aromatic smell its leaves emit when crushed. 

Anise-tree 

11

Ligustrum japonicum – Japanese Privet/Waxleaf Privet 

This privet has been available in the trade for many years. The leaves are dark green and appear 

“waxed.” Some may object to the unpleasant odor of the flowers. Waxleaf privet lends itself to shearing. 

Japanese privet 

Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum – Chinese Fringeflower 

Since their introduction to the retail trade in the late 1990s, the purple‐leafed forms (var. rubrum) of 

Chinese fringeflower have made a profound impact on our landscapes. Many of the non‐dwarf forms 

(Plum Delight ® , ‘Zhuzhou Fuchsia’ and ‘Blush’) would make an excellent sheared hedge in central and 

south Arkansas. 

Plum Delight ® Chinese fringeflower 

12

Magnolia grandiflora – Southern Magnolia 

Surprisingly, the Southern 

magnolia makes an excellent large 

screen. Several cultivars (‘Little 

Gem,’ ‘D. D. Blanchard,’ ‘Bracken’s 

Brown Beauty,’ Alta ® and ‘Hasse’) 

have a dense pyramidal form 

that lends itself well for this 

landscape purpose. 

‘D. D. Blanchard’ Southern magnolia 

Magnolia virginiana – Sweetbay Magnolia 

Sweetbay magnolia is an underutilized plant in 

Arkansas. The challenge when recommending it as a 

hedge plant is to find forms that have evergreen foliage 

(leaf retention can vary from deciduous to evergreen) 

and an upright growth habit. Most plants sold are grown 

from seed, so they will display variation in plant traits. 

For hedge or screen use, cultivars such as ‘Green 

Shadow’ or ‘Willowleaf Bay’ are worth the hunt. 

Sweetbay magnolia 

13

Michelia skinneriana – Banana-Shrub 

At some point in the near future, this will be renamed Magnolia skinneriana. The reason for suggesting 

this plant is based on its very favorable performance in the University of Arkansas Plant Evaluation 

Program. While not cold hardy in northwest Arkansas, this Michelia has been a top performer at Little Rock 

and Hope. Foliage is a very clean, medium green. Plants have a unique cream‐white flower that is mostly 

hidden by the evergreen foliage. Flowers with a sweet banana fragrance appear in early April and then 

sporadically through October. This plant would lend itself to serving as a medium‐sized hedge. 

Banana-shrub 

Myrica cerifera – Southern Waxmyrtle 

This is the southern version of the northern bayberry (M. pensylvanica). If you start in central Arkansas 

and drive south into the tip of Florida, you will see the southern waxmyrtle more frequently the further 

south you drive. Central Arkansas should be its northern limit, and in years with severe winters, it may 

experience a setback in that zone. Texture on this plant is very fine due to thin twigs and narrow leaves. 

Crush the leaves and you will smell the classic bayberry candle fragrance. Myrica pensylvanica, the northern 

bayberry, is a possible hedge suggestion for the northwest corner of Arkansas. 

Southern waxmyrtle 

14

Osmanthus 

Certainly this genus is a worthy suggestion for a great hedge or screen plant, even though most species 

tend to be a bit more rounded and much slower‐ growing than redtip photinia. Osmanthus are known for 

extremely fragrant flowers. The Osmanthus seem to get no respect because they are easily confused with 

other genera. The little‐used Devilwood (O. americanus) could fool many as a privet (Ligustrum) since the 

leaf margin lacks serration. Others like O. xfortunei (Fortune’s osmanthus; O. heterophyllus x O. fragrans) 

and O. heterophyllus (Holly osmanthus) look like hollies because of the serrated leaf margins. There is an easy 

way to distinguish Osmanthus from hollies: leaf arrangement on Osmanthus is opposite and alternate to Ilex. 

Osmanthus xfortunei 

Photinia serrulata – Chinese Photinia 

This is actually one of the parents of the redtip hybrid. This plant is seen all over central and south 

Arkansas, but it is restricted to older landscapes. It is suggested that when redtip hit the market in the late 

’50s, people stopped purchasing the larger Chinese photinia. Chinese photinia is clearly a much larger 

(20 feet tall by 20 feet wide) and more rounded plant than redtip. A number of people will show disfavor 

for this plant since the flowers have an unpleasant odor. The flower display is exceptional in late 

March/early April followed by a nice display of dull red fruits borne in large clusters. Emerging foliage is 

more of a muted red in contrast to the striking red of redtip. Leaf spot fungus is not as serious on this plant. 

This species may be difficult to find in the retail trade. The Japanese photinia (P. glabra) would also be a 

good plant to consider but may be just as susceptible to leaf spot as redtip. 

Chinese photinia 

15

Prunus caroliniana – Carolina Cherrylaurel 

Many Arkansas gardeners are familiar with this species as a native plant or large, almost tree‐like 

broadleaf evergreen in older landscapes. Nurseries have introduced several improved selections including 

Bright ’N Tight (‘Monus’) from Monrovia Nursery. The 1/3‐inch diameter black fruits are readily spread 

by birds. 

Carolina cherrylaurel 

Ternstroemia gymnanthera – Japanese Ternstroemia 

Most retailers still sell this plant under the genus name Cleyera. In the past, Ternstroemia was primarily 

grown from seed, which resulted in a great deal of variation in habit that was not good for formal hedges. 

Several nurseries select and propagate improved selections from cuttings. Some of these new selections 

include LeAnn and Bronze Beauty. The new foliage on many of these is an attractive deep red, somewhat 

reminiscent of redtip photinia. Most of these tend to be rounder than redtip photinia with a mature size of 

9 feet tall by 9 feet wide. The growth rate of Ternstroemia will not be as fast as some other hedge options. 

LeAnn Japanese ternstroemia 

16

Viburnum awabuki ‘Chindo’ 

While this broadleaf evergreen is relatively unknown in Arkansas, it is hugely popular as a 

hedge/screen plant in the Southeast. It has very dark green almost waxed leaves. Based on University of 

Arkansas Plant Evaluation Program results and field observations, this broadleaf evergreen is best suited to 

south Arkansas. The plant is not cold hardy in northwest Arkansas. 

‘Chindo’ viburnum 

Viburnum odoratissimum – Viburnum 

This broadleaf evergreen viburnum should display some winter injury in central Arkansas; however, 

due to its very fast growth, viburnum should recover quickly in the spring. Most reliable in south Arkansas. 

Viburnum odoratissimum 

17

Needle-Like Evergreens 

Chamaecyparis thyoides ‘Emily’ (Webb #1) and ‘Rachel’ (Webb #2) – Atlantic Whitecedar 

This plant performed exceptionally well in the 

University of Arkansas Plant Evaluation Program. The 

plant looks very much like the native eastern redcedar. The 

species is unique in that it tolerates wet, boggy sites in the 

wild. It is a very fast‐growing plant and appears to be not 

quite as narrow as ‘Green Giant’ arborvitae. 

‘Emily’ Atlantic whitecedar 

Cryptomeria japonica – Japanese Cryptomeria 

This needle‐like evergreen, while used on a limited 

basis in Arkansas, seems to perform fairly well. Growth 

rate is medium, and the cone‐shaped plant should reach 

30 to 40 feet tall. The texture of the plant lends itself to 

Oriental gardens. ‘Yoshino’ is likely the most common 

selection in the trade. Other full‐sized forms include 

‘Elegans,’ ‘Ben Franklin’ and ‘Viridis.’ 

Japanese cryptomeria 

18

Cupressus arizonica – Arizona Cypress 

This appears to be an excellent screen plant for full sun locations. While needle color on the species is a 

gray‐green, most cultivars have an eye‐catching silver‐blue/powder‐blue color. The blue hue is even better 

than what you get with the blue atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica ‘Glauca’). Some of the blue foliage forms 

include ‘Blue Ice,’ ‘Blue Pyramid,’ ‘Carolina Sapphire,’ ‘Cook’s Peak’ and ‘Silver Smoke.’ ‘Blue Ice’ and ‘Blue 

Pyramid’ may have a much tighter pyramidal habit than ‘Carolina Sapphire.’ ‘Carolina Sapphire’ is a popular 

cut Christmas tree in Arkansas. This needle‐like evergreen grows faster than Leyland cypress. In general, 

the plant is free of serious insect and disease problems. Bagworms will be more common on ‘Carolina 

Sapphire’ than ‘Blue Ice.’ 

The growth habit of young plants is very similar to our native eastern 

redcedar (Juniperus virginiana). Because needles are not borne in flat 

sprays like Leyland cypress, the overall texture is very soft. Plants are 

clearly taller than they are wide and pyramidal in shape. As the plant 

matures, it will open up. Very old specimens almost have a weeping, graceful 

pyramidal appearance. Arizona cypress thrives on full sun in exposed 

situations. While 

constant moisture 

might promote 

growth, an established 

plant should 

tolerate fairly dry 

conditions. Avoid 

wet spots. 

‘Blue Ice’ 

Arizona cypress 

Cupressus sempervirens ‘Stricta’ – Italian Cypress 

While not that common in Arkansas, the extremely columnar 

growth habit makes this plant easy to identify in the landscape. 

The Italian cypress is likely best suited to central and 

southern Arkansas. 

Italian cypress 

19

Juniperus chinensis – Chinese Juniper 

Chinese junipers range in habit from low, 

spreading shrubs to large, upright plants. A 

number of cultivars would be useful as hedge or 

screen plants. Needle color will vary from a green 

(‘Fairview’ and ‘Keteleeri’) to a blue‐green (‘Iowa’). 

Be forewarned, Chinese juniper tends to be susceptible 

to fungal tip blights (Phomopsis, Kabatina) 

in Arkansas. 

Juniperus virginiana – Eastern Redcedar 

Although our native landscape is swarming 

with Eastern redcedar, this plant is not as common 

in our retail trade. A number of excellent cultivars 

(‘Idyllwild’, ‘Manhattan Blue’ and ‘Taylor’) are good 

choices for a large screen or hedge. 

‘Keteleeri’ 

Chinese juniper 

‘Manhattan Blue’ 

Eastern redcedar 

Platycladus orientalis (formerly Thuja orientalis) – Oriental Arborvitae 

This is essentially the southern 

version of the eastern arborvitae. The 

typical form is a large, rounded shrub, 

but specific upright cultivars are 

available at your local garden center. 

Oriental arborvitae 

20

Podocarpus macrophyllus – Chinese Podocarpus 

The Chinese podocarpus, with its needle‐like foliage, is 

gaining popularity in south Arkansas. The foliage looks very 

much like a yew (Taxus). If you plan to use this plant for hedge or 

screen purposes, make sure you select an upright form. Exposure 

should be full sun to partial sun. 

Chinese podcarpus 

Taxus cuspidata – Japanese Yew 

Upright forms of the Japanese yew are frequently used in the Upper Midwest and the East Coast as 

hedges. Upright growing cultivars such as ‘Capitata’ and ‘Pyramidalis’ work best for that purpose. Yews are 

frequent‐ly sheared to provide a formal look in the landscape. Japanese yew is best suited for shaded locations 

in northwest Arkansas. Another option for northwest Arkansas is the Canadian hemlock (Tsuga 

canadensis). If left unpruned, hemlock will be a medium‐sized tree that may grow to 50 feet. 

‘Flushing’ yew 

Eastern hemlock 

21

Thuja occidentalis ‘Emerald’ or ‘Smaragd’ – Eastern Arborvitae 

This needle‐like evergreen is the most common hedge or screen plant in the Pacific Northwest and 

Midwest. It is known for its beautiful emerald green color and tight, upright growth habit. Because it lacks 

heat tolerance, it is a better choice in northwest Arkansas than in central and south Arkansas. Eastern 

arbor vitae is more tolerant of shade than many other needle‐like evergreens. 

‘Emerald’ Eastern arborvitae 

Thuja x‘Green Giant’ – Arborvitae 

Introduced to the retail trade in the early 2000s, this is essentially an eastern arborvitae on steroids! 

This strongly pyramidal evergreen grows very fast. Once established, this plant should grow at least 2 feet 

per year. Mail‐order catalogs suggest ‘Green Giant’ is deer resistant. Because it is an arborvitae, people 

always question whether it is susceptible to attack by bagworms. Based on results from the University of 

Arkansas, this plant is very susceptible to that insect. The trial also indicates that this plant is not tolerant of 

very wet soils. Preferred 

exposure would be full 

sun to partial shade. 

‘Green Giant’ grows so fast 

that the central leader 

does not fill‐in until the 

following year. ‘Green 

Giant’ may also be sold in 

the trade as ‘Giganteoides’ 

or ‘Spring Grove.’ The 

extreme heat in 2012 

demonstrated that ‘Green 

Giant’ is not as heat tolerant 

as some evergreens 

such as Arizona cypress or 

Eastern redcedar. 

‘Green Giant’ arborvitae 

22

Printed by University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service Printing Services. 

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of 

Agriculture, Director, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Arkansas. The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers its 

programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or 

any other legally protected status and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. 

MP510‐PD‐10‐12N

Evergreen Hedge Or Screen Plants - University of Arkansas ...

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?