Trees

Thuja koraiensis 'Glauca'

Blue Korean arborvitae

Glauca blue Korean arborvitae, young garden specimen. Photo © Iseli Nursery, customer plant-resale promotional use; cropped from its plant-page sign, embedded copyright retained.

Blue Korean arborvitae is valued for flattened foliage sprays with blue-green upper surfaces and silvery undersides. The color contrast is visible whenever branches turn or move. Published accounts of plants sold under Glauca disagree on whether they remain spreading shrubs or become upright trees, so verify the nursery's clone before planning a size-sensitive location.

At a glance

Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Size: Height: 0.5–1 m (RHS mature size, 10–20 years) · Width: 1–1.5 m (RHS mature size, 10–20 years)
Water: Moist but well-drained soil
Hardiness: RHS H6 (−20 to −15°C; UK rating)

Sizes & prices

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Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.

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Landscape use & tree form

Form: Low, bushy and spreading
Use: Rock garden; groundcover; container
Growth rate: Slow compared with western redcedar (species-level observation)

Resistance & tolerances

Deer: Deer damage has been documented in Korean arborvitae; protect this cultivar in deer-accessible gardens (species guidance).
Drought: The parent species is intolerant of dry conditions; maintain soil moisture during dry spells.
Wet soil: Moist soil with good drainage is suitable; avoid waterlogging.

Resistance is not a guarantee; deer and rabbits may browse any plant.

Keep in mind: Conflicting growth habits under this trade label; confirm supplier clone.

Seasonal interest

Foliage: Evergreen; blue-green above and silvery beneath

Growing & care

Pruning: No routine pruning is required; retain its naturally low, spreading outline.
Soil: Moist but well-drained clay, loam or sand; tolerates a range of pH.
Site: Choose a sheltered position.
Issues: Scale insects, honey fungus, thuja blight and Coryneum canker are possible. Foliage may irritate skin and is harmful if eaten.
Clone identity: This name is used for low shrubs and upright forms; ask the nursery to confirm the plant's expected habit before siting.

Sources & photo credits

Royal Horticultural Society

www.pepiniere.ca

University of Minnesota Extension

www.udel.edu

Trees and Shrubs Online

Missouri Botanical Garden

olivernurseries.com

www.arboretumwespelaar.be

Photo: Photo © Iseli Nursery; photo region cropped from supplier plant sign, embedded copyright retained, no enlargement. · Iseli customer plant-resale promotional photo grant

Reviewed September 22, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.