Thuja occidentalis Malonyana Holub - Canadian Arborvitae

The Thuja occidentalis 'Maloyana Holub' is a dwarf variety of Canadian Thuja of small size with a completely original habit, resembling a candelabra. This dwarf conifer forms several vertical heads of different heights and its slightly twisted branches are a beautiful vibrant green. Its very slow growth and limited size make it a perfect subject for rock gardens, and it can even be grown in containers. Native to central Europe, it is extremely hardy and adapts to most soils. It is a low-maintenance plant that does not require pruning and only needs a little water in summer.

The Thuja occidentalis, the Canadian Thuja or Western Thuja, is sometimes called the White Cedar of Canada or Balai. It is an evergreen conifer of the Cupressaceae family native to northeastern North America. It is distributed over a wide geographic area that perfectly reflects the plasticity of its living conditions. In nature, it reaches a height of 15 to 20 m (49 to 66ft), adopting a beautiful conical habit and a trunk covered with a highly decorative bark. It is a perfectly hardy species, very well adapted to temperate climates and poor, wet, or occasionally dry soils. Its almost rot-resistant, lightweight, fragrant, and easily flammable wood lends itself to many uses.

The variety 'Maloyana Holub' comes from a selection of seeds made by Radek Holub in the Czech Republic, within the Miniarboretum u Holubů, an amazing park hosting a collection of rare conifers. It is a conifer for enthusiasts of rarity who have patience, as its growth is really very slow, about 2 to 3 cm (1in) per year. It will only reach a height of 50 to 60 cm (20 to 24in) in 10 years, and its adult size is approximately 1.50 m (5ft) tall with a spread of 90 cm (35in) to 1 m. Its appearance is extremely graphic, reminiscent of certain stalagmite formations in caves. It has no main axis, emitting several vertical heads of unequal heights. The branches can be slightly undulating, with almost crisped branchlets, all with a rather endearing tousled appearance. Each plant is thus unique, far from the varieties that form perfect cones as if moulded. The beautiful evergreen foliage of medium green is decorative all year round, and the strange silhouette of this miniature conifer will blend well with rugged rocks in a rock garden or contemporary rocky setting.
Easy to grow, this Thuja is extremely hardy, resistant to temperatures around -34°C (1°F). It adapts to most soils, whether neutral, acidic, or limestone, as long as they are not too dry in summer.

Rarely encountered, the Western Thuja 'Maloyana Holub' will delight true enthusiasts of dwarf conifers. A rock garden will be enriched by its presence, as well as a contemporary garden, as its design is unique and deserves to be highlighted. A slightly isolated planting, in a rocky setting, will be perfect. If you choose to associate it with other plants in a mixed border, be sure to choose slow-growing species to avoid suffocating it. Other dwarf conifers will then be welcome to create an original graphic scene, such as the Pinus mugo Picobello, a truly dwarf Pine that forms a dome of 80 cm (32in) to 1 m. The Pinus strobus Horsford, a miniature Weymouth Pine with feathery foliage, will also be a good companion, as well as the Abies balsamea Piccolo, a compact and bushy Balsam Fir. And to create a contrast in color, nothing beats the steel blue of the Juniperus squamata Blue Star, a dwarf Juniper that forms a flattened ball, quite different from the candelabra of our 'Maloyana Holub' Thuja.