Danica Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Danica’) is a popular landscape choice, known for its naturally compact, spherical growth habit and vibrant green foliage. Its neat form and evergreen nature make it a favored plant for various garden designs, including foundation plantings, rock gardens, and containers. Understanding its winter performance and specific care requirements is important for maintaining its health and appearance through colder months.
Danica Arborvitae Winter Characteristics
Danica Arborvitae maintains its dense, globe-shaped form throughout the winter, contributing consistent structure to the dormant landscape. Its bright emerald green foliage may undergo subtle color changes in colder temperatures, taking on a bronze or blue-green tint.
This cultivar is recognized for its hardiness, thriving in USDA Zones 3 through 8. Its compact and dense growth habit provides natural resilience, helping the plant withstand snow accumulation and reducing branch splaying or breakage.
Essential Winter Care
Preparing Danica Arborvitae for winter involves several proactive steps. Adequate watering before the ground freezes is important; deep watering helps the plant store moisture for dry winter periods when the ground is frozen. If prolonged dry spells occur without snow cover, provide occasional supplemental water when temperatures are above freezing to prevent desiccation.
Applying a 2 to 3-inch layer of organic mulch around the base offers insulation for the root zone. Mulch helps regulate soil temperature, protecting roots from extreme cold and minimizing moisture loss. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the plant’s trunk to prevent moisture buildup and potential issues.
Refrain from fertilizing Danica Arborvitae in late summer or fall. Late-season fertilization encourages new, tender growth that may not harden off sufficiently before cold weather, making it more susceptible to winter damage. Apply balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins.
Protecting From Winter Damage
Danica Arborvitae can experience winter burn, caused by dry winter winds and sun when the ground is frozen. This condition results from the plant losing moisture through its foliage faster than its roots can absorb water from the frozen soil. To mitigate this, consider setting up physical barriers such as burlap wraps or screens on the windward side. While anti-desiccant sprays are available, their effectiveness on arborvitae can be mixed, and some sources advise against their use.
Heavy snow and ice accumulation can cause branches to splay or break. Gently brush off heavy snow from the plant’s dense foliage to alleviate this pressure. For young or vulnerable plants, loosely tying the branches with soft twine can offer additional support, helping them maintain their upright form under snow load.
Wildlife, particularly deer and rabbits, are known to browse on arborvitae, especially when other food sources are scarce in winter. Physical barriers like fencing or burlap enclosures can deter animals from reaching the foliage. Applying animal repellents, which often work by taste or smell, can provide protection.