Malonyana Arborvitae, a distinctive evergreen cultivar, is a popular choice for many gardeners. Its unique form and appealing foliage make it a favored selection for various landscape designs. This plant offers visual interest and adaptability.
Malonyana Arborvitae Characteristics
Malonyana Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Malonyana’) presents a notably narrow, columnar, and spire-like growth habit, distinguishing it from other varieties. This evergreen conifer typically reaches heights of 20 to 30 feet, with a slender spread of only 3 to 4 feet wide at maturity. Its dense foliage consists of bright to rich green, scale-like sprays that maintain their color throughout the year, though winter foliage may shift to a brownish-green hue.
This plant exhibits a moderate growth rate and can live for 50 years or more under suitable conditions. Malonyana Arborvitae is cold-hardy, thriving in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 7. Its fine texture contributes to its refined appearance, making it a visually interesting addition to diverse garden styles.
Planting Malonyana Arborvitae
Selecting an appropriate site is important for planting Malonyana Arborvitae, as it performs best in full sun to partial shade. Adequate drainage is also important; choose a location that avoids waterlogging. While adaptable to various soil types and pH levels, consistently moist, well-drained soil supports its best growth.
When preparing to plant, dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball, ensuring it is no deeper than the root ball itself. This allows space for root expansion without burying the plant too deeply. Remove the plant from its container, loosening any circling roots before placing the arborvitae in the center of the hole.
Position the plant so the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil surface. Backfill the hole with excavated soil, avoiding excessive tamping to prevent compaction. After backfilling halfway, water thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets. Complete filling the hole, then create a small soil berm or water ring around the planting area to direct water to the roots during establishment. For a privacy hedge, space plants 3 to 4 feet apart for eventual dense coverage.
Care and Maintenance
Consistent watering is necessary, especially during the first growing season, to establish a robust root system. The soil should remain consistently moist but not waterlogged, as too much water can deprive roots of oxygen and lead to root rot. After establishment, water deeply during dry periods when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry.
Fertilizing supports healthy growth when applied in early spring before new growth appears. A balanced granular fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or one with higher nitrogen content like a 20-15-15, promotes green, leafy development. Avoid fertilizing newly planted arborvitae, as this can harm developing roots.
Pruning is minimal due to its naturally narrow, columnar form. Any necessary pruning, primarily for shaping or removing dead or damaged branches, should be done in early spring before new growth emerges. Trim only the new growth of the current season to maintain its shape, as cutting into older wood can be detrimental.
Landscape Applications
Malonyana Arborvitae’s distinct narrow, upright growth makes it versatile for various landscape designs. Its tight columnar habit is well-suited for creating dense evergreen hedges, offering privacy screens for property boundaries or outdoor living spaces. The plant’s verticality also allows it to serve as an architectural accent, providing height and structure within garden beds or along walkways.
This arborvitae can be used as a specimen plant, highlighting its unique form in smaller gardens where space is limited. Its ability to substitute for Italian Cypress in colder regions expands its use. It can also contribute to mixed borders, adding year-round green foliage and a consistent backdrop for other plantings.
Common Challenges
Malonyana Arborvitae can encounter challenges, including pests and diseases. Common insect pests include bagworms, which create bags from foliage and cause defoliation, and spider mites, which can lead to bronzing or yellowing of needles. Scale insects are another concern, as they feed on plant sap, causing yellowing foliage and leaving sticky honeydew. Solutions include hand-picking bagworms in early stages or using appropriate horticultural treatments.
Environmental stressors also pose problems. Winter burn, characterized by browning foliage, occurs from cold, dry winds and lack of moisture in winter. Drought stress, from insufficient water, can also cause foliage to turn brown or yellow, as arborvitae are not highly drought-tolerant, especially when young. Ensuring consistent moisture and providing shelter in exposed locations mitigates these issues.
Root rot, a consequence of poorly drained or waterlogged soil, can lead to wilting and plant decline. Improving drainage and avoiding overwatering are important preventative measures. Fungal blights like Pestalotiopsis can cause needles to turn yellow then brown, often affecting stressed plants.