Natorps
Thuja o. ‘Fire Chief’
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Thuja occidentalis ‘Fire Chief™ is a compact, dwarf evergreen arborvitae prized for its vibrant, shifting foliage colors and globe-shaped, low-maintenance form.
Appearance & Color
This cultivar is a sport of the popular ‘Rheingold’ variety, noted for better color retention and less susceptibility to splitting under snow or ice.
Spring: New growth emerges in bright gold.
Summer: Tones soften to warm orange.
Fall: Deepens to sage-green with red tips.
Winter: Retains warm gold-orange-red tones, with interior foliage greener for depth.
Growth Habit & Size
Habit: Naturally rounded, globe-like, slow-growing, and rarely needs pruning.
Mature size: Typically 2–4 feet tall and wide (some sources list 3–4 ft).
Form: Even, mounded, and tidy without shearing.
Hardiness & Tolerance
Tolerant of full sun to partial shade; more sun enhances gold and red tones.
Resistant to sun and wind burn, making it suitable for exposed sites.