Thuja occidentalis 'Anniek' / Sienna Sunset™ arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis'Anniek' is a relatively new selection of arborvitae that is currently marketed in the U.S. under the trade name Sienna Sunset™. It grows with a compact and globose shape; freely branching with extremely dense and bushy form. Its yellow-green juvenile foliage is quite soft to the touch; developing leaves are yellow green in color in the spring and summer, becoming bronze in color in the autumn and winter. After 10 years of growth, a mature specimen will measure 10 inches (25 cm) tall and wide, an annual growth rate of around 1 inch (2.5 cm).
This cultivar originated as a branch sport found in 2005 on a specimen of T. occidentalis 'Teddy' by Franciscus van Gils and Wlodzimierz Flejszer at a nursery in Skierniewice, Poland. Frans named the plant in honor of his daughter, Anniek. Breederplants Nursery Inc. of Reeuwijk, The Netherlands introduced it to the nursery trade in 2012.
The originators claim that this conifer, with its tighter branching, will be less prone to break open under the load of snow and ice in winter. 'Anniek' was granted plant patent, US PP22813 P2, in 2012.
Thuja occidentalis 'Anniek' — a stunning little plant. Perfect for a rock garden or trough planter.
Photo by Dobbies Nursery, UK
Thuja occidentalis 'Anniek' — a foliage closeup showing wintertime bronzing.
Photo by Dobbies Nursery, UK
Thuja occidentalis 'Anniek' and 'Jantar' in production at Qualitree Rosedale nursery, British Columbia, Canada.
Photo by Frans van Gils
Comments
Linda
I bought a Sienna Sunset in a 4” pot and it was very root bound. Have some questions: should I grow in pot, or in ground?
Also I live in zone 8 in Tx.
I’m concerned about summer heat?
I see it’s zone 6 on your site.
Thanks for any advise
[Deleted User]
Hello Linda. This is going to be multi-phased problem for you to solve. Part 1 is to address the roots. I recommend teasing out the root ball to the best of your ability and replanting for a season or two into a wide, but somewhat shallow pot (5" tall by 10 inches wide) in extremely well draining, mineral-rich planting medium. This will allow for development of a robust root system.
Part 2 depends on what part of Texas you living in, climate wise. Texas spans 2 climate zones, semi-arid steppe and humid continental. Look around your environment. If you see arborvitae growing out in the landscapes, then your plant will be an excellent candidate for life in the garden starting in 2021 or 2022. Else it's destined to be a potted specimen in a protected part of your outdoor living space.
North Wind
Hi I bought four this plant from a local nursery (Edmonton,canada) in 2020. I live in Zone 3(Edmonton subarb). I planted them in locations where they receive various amount of sun (one in 3 hour of sun, one in 4 hour of sun , one in 5 hour of sun, one in 6 hour of sun) .
one in 3 hour of sun: Did not make in the first winter and totally die off.
one 4 hour sun : Did make two winter with of most of the leaves die off.
one 5 hour sun : Did make two winter with of some of the leaves die off.
one 6 hour sun : Did make two winter with very few of the leaves die off.
However, because this plant don’t grow fast(In my case did not grow at all after two years. In fact it shrink in size), even slightest leaves die off makes it look ugly. I water all plants regularly.
Comments
I bought a Sienna Sunset in a 4” pot and it was very root bound. Have some questions: should I grow in pot, or in ground?
Also I live in zone 8 in Tx.
I’m concerned about summer heat?
I see it’s zone 6 on your site.
Thanks for any advise
Hello Linda. This is going to be multi-phased problem for you to solve. Part 1 is to address the roots. I recommend teasing out the root ball to the best of your ability and replanting for a season or two into a wide, but somewhat shallow pot (5" tall by 10 inches wide) in extremely well draining, mineral-rich planting medium. This will allow for development of a robust root system.
Part 2 depends on what part of Texas you living in, climate wise. Texas spans 2 climate zones, semi-arid steppe and humid continental. Look around your environment. If you see arborvitae growing out in the landscapes, then your plant will be an excellent candidate for life in the garden starting in 2021 or 2022. Else it's destined to be a potted specimen in a protected part of your outdoor living space.
Hi I bought four this plant from a local nursery (Edmonton,canada) in 2020. I live in Zone 3(Edmonton subarb). I planted them in locations where they receive various amount of sun (one in 3 hour of sun, one in 4 hour of sun , one in 5 hour of sun, one in 6 hour of sun) .
one in 3 hour of sun: Did not make in the first winter and totally die off.
one 4 hour sun : Did make two winter with of most of the leaves die off.
one 5 hour sun : Did make two winter with of some of the leaves die off.
one 6 hour sun : Did make two winter with very few of the leaves die off.
However, because this plant don’t grow fast(In my case did not grow at all after two years. In fact it shrink in size), even slightest leaves die off makes it look ugly. I water all plants regularly.