How to Grow Cedar Trees in Containers

Can you grow emerald cedars in containers?

Emerald cedars (Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’) can definitely be grown in containers. They are the perfect evergreen screen and are very easy to grow with little maintenance.

Ensure the containers you’re considering are at least 50 cm (20 inches) wide by 50 cm deep, as emerald cedars grow a very dense and fibrous root system which will require that amount of space.

The biggest concern is over the summer—don’t let the plants go dry. Consider a dripper hose to ensure adequate, even moisture to the roots. The best means of feeding would be with a spring application of time-released hedge fertilizer that will offer ongoing nutrition for a period of four months.