Thuja plicata 'Eschrich's Grüne Kugel' / Grüne Kugel western red-cedar

Thuja plicata 'Eschrich's Grüne Kugel' is a dwarf, globose selection of western red-cedar with very dark-green shiny foliage. The tips have a very nice bronze to purple tint in the winter months in areas with cold winters. Appears to resist heavy snow loads and maintains and erect upright form without damage. Typical rate of growth in most areas in 2 to 3 inches (5 - 7.5 cm) per year in all directions, resulting in a somewhat flattened globe 2 feet (60 cm) tall and somewhat wider after 10 years in the garden.

This cultivar originated as a seedling selected in the early 1970s by Günther Eschrich of Recklinghausen, Germany; and introduced it to the nursery trade through his family nursery. Günther named it in honor of himself. Translated into English from German, Grüne Kugel means "green ball" or "green globe."

Attribution from: Fincham, Robert L. - Coenosium Gardens Catalog of Rare Plants For The Discriminating Person; Catalog Number Fourteen, January 2003.