Contrary to the species that reaches very large sizes in nature, the 'Kager's Beauty' variety is a dwarf plant with very original twigs, suitable for growing in small home gardens and in containers placed on balconies and terraces.
This variety was bred by a Pole, Anna Kager. The plant was sold in 2011 in the Netherlands.In 2015, the Nursery of Ornamental Shrubs by Jan and Jolanta Nowaczyk from Wyganowo submitted this variety to the Novelties Plant Competition organized during the "Green is Life" exhibition.Thanks to this, the variety has become popular and is now available in wide sale.
The giant thuja 'Kager's Beauty' is a shrub with a cupped habit and a slow growth rate, reaching 0.5-1 m in height and similar width.The plant is commercially offered either in in a stump form, grafted onto a low rootstock, it resembles an attractive small tree with an umbrella-shaped lace, or as a flat shrub with twigs lying on the ground.
Stems and twigs of this variety of the giant thuja are small, slightly flattened, arranged horizontally, they grow out of the center of the bush and immediately hang down in an arched shape or hang down. Young shoots are green, the older ones are light brown.The twigs are covered with flat green scales and thicker needles.In winter the bushes turn brown. Plants form flat forms in the first years of cultivation, then they develop a conductor and piled up.
Due to its small size, 'Kager's Beauty' is recommended for growing in small home gardens, rockeries and alpine gardens, in flower beds together with other slow-growing conifers. This variety can act as a ground cover plant, which becomes more attractive with age.
It fits especially interestingly with rock elements in Japanese and oriental gardens, where stones were used as litter.The beautiful texture of branches and shoots becomes visible against them.Shrubs, both in the stem form and in the traditional form, look very impressive when grown in decorative containers that are a year-round decoration of a balcony or terrace.
Cultivation of the giant thuja
The giant thuja 'Kager's Beauty' belongs to plants that are easy to grow. Although shrubs grow best in temperate climates with mild winters and cool, humid summers, they are frost-resistant and can be grown all over the country.
In the coldest regions of Poland, plants should be lightly covered with shade or agrotextile - this way, we will prevent the twigs from drying out and turning brown. Plants prefer fertile, moderately moist, well-drained soil, sunny or slightly shaded. Avoid planting in soils that are too light, sandy or prone to quick drying.
