Thuja "Green Giant" - buy it?

James W.

Chumono
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Saw this thuja "Green Giant" at Lowe's. Not sure if this cultivar is suitable for bonsai, leaves seem a little big coarse. But has an interesting base, or maybe it's just ugly. Should I buy it for 1/2 price ($25) or leave it?
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Leo in N E Illinois

The Professor
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I agree, leave it, because the roots will be a problem.

'Green Giant' has normal growth pattern for Thuja occidentalis. It grows rapidly, and is somewhat coarse in branching. It is a cultivar that keeps a green color over winter. The the typical forms of Thuja will ''bronze out'' for winter. The foliage will change to a bronze-purple or brown color, then return to green once growth resumes in spring. 'Green Giant' does not change color.

So for bonsai the forms of Thuja occidentalis with normal growth pattern are probably best for medium to larger size bonsai trees. Their cousin, Hinoki, is good for medium to smaller size bonsai.
 

James W.

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Thank you, guys.
Those gnarly roots are the only thing I liked. I don't mind leaving it there.
 
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