Thuja occidentalis 'Full Speed A Hedge® American Pillar'

Thuja occidentalis ‘Full Speed A Hedge® American Pillar’: Fast, Narrow Privacy in Fresh Green

A go-to from the Full Speed A Hedge® collection, Thuja occidentalis ‘American Pillar’ is an evergreen shrub built for quick, confident screening. Its tall, upright, narrow habit forms a natural privacy wall that stays clean and columnar with minimal pruning. Bright green foliage keeps its colour year-round, giving landscapes structure through every season. With rapid growth of about 90–120 cm per year, it’s a smart choice when you want results sooner rather than later.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 450–600 cm
• Spread: 90–150 cm
• Flower Colour: Inconspicuous
• Flowering Period: Inconspicuous
• Foliage: Bright green evergreen foliage; naturally narrow, columnar form
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soil

Uses and Benefits: ‘American Pillar’ excels as a living privacy screen along fences, property lines, and side yards where space is tight but height is essential. Its narrow footprint keeps beds and walkways open, while the fast growth quickly creates definition and shelter. Use it in rows for a crisp hedge effect, or plant as strong vertical accents to frame entries, corners, and views. It delivers a polished, evergreen look that feels intentional in both modern and classic landscapes.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun and water regularly during the first growing season to establish strong roots. Once established, provide deep watering during extended dry spells to keep growth dense and healthy, especially in sandy soils. Mulch helps conserve moisture and protects the root zone, but keep mulch back from the stems. Minimal pruning is needed, but a light trim in late spring can tighten the outline if desired. For hedging, space plants about 60–90 cm apart for a fuller screen over time.

History: ‘American Pillar’ is valued for its naturally narrow habit and rapid growth, selected as a sport of ‘Hetz Wintergreen’. It was introduced to give gardeners a faster, slimmer option for evergreen screening, with a clean columnar shape that stays attractive without constant shaping.

Final Thoughts: When you need a fast, space-saving evergreen screen that looks crisp all year, ‘Full Speed A Hedge® American Pillar’ delivers height, privacy, and strong garden structure in one streamlined package.