Evergreen Shrub – Oriental Arborvitae ‘Franky Boy’

Oriental Arborvitae ‘Franky Boy’

Botanical name: thuja orientalis ‘franky boy’

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: 4-6 ft in height with a spread of 3-4 ft 

Hardy zone: zones 5-8

Growth rate: grows 3-6 inches per year 

Foliage color: yellow/orange 

Pruning instructions: very lightly prune to maintain desired shape and size as needed throughout the growing season

Propagation methods: propagate with cuttings during the late summer/fall months 

Landscape use: accent shrub, foundation planting, hedge

Special features: unique texture 

Light needs: 4-6 hours of sun per day 

Watering instructions: allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry out between watering sessions 

Fertilizing instructions : use a balanced slow-release fertilizer once a year in the early spring as new growth begins to emerge 

Best time to plant: spring, fall 

Best type of soil: loam 

Companion plants: boxwoods, hydrangeas, spirea, hostas 

Toxicity level: moderately toxic for humans and pets if ingested 

Invasive species: no