<i>Thuja </i>plant named ‘SMNTDGT’

Abstract

A new and distinct variety of Thuja plant named ‘SMNTDGT’ is disclosed, characterized by a short plant habit and dense foliage. Plants have distinctive dense ovate plant habit without pinching or pruning, making plants low maintenance. The new cultivar is a Thuja, suitable for ornamental garden purposes.

Claims

1. A new and distinct cultivar of Thuja plant named ‘SMNTDGT’ as herein illustrated and described.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

(1) The accompanying photograph in FIG. 1 illustrates in full color typical plants of ‘SMNTDGT’ grown outdoors in Grand Haven, Mich. The plants are approximately 5 years old, in the ground.

(2) FIG. 2 illustrates another view of a test field of plants of the new variety.

(3) The photographs were taken using conventional techniques and although colors may appear different from actual colors due to light reflectance it is as accurate as possible by conventional photographic techniques.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

(4) In the following description, color references are made to The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart 2015 except where general terms of ordinary dictionary significance are used. The following observations and measurements describe ‘SMNTDGT’ plants grown outdoors in Grand Haven, Mich. Plants are approximately 1-2 years old, in a 3 gallon nursery container. Measurements and numerical values represent averages of typical plant types. Botanical classification: Thuja occidentalis ‘SMNTDGT’.

PROPAGATION

(5) Time to rooting: About 56 days at approximately 18-27° C. Root description: Moderately dense branching. Slightly woody, both fine and thick roots present. Colored white and tan, not accurately measured with the RHS chart.

PLANT

(6) Growth habit: Perennial evergreen tree with an ovate habit. Height: 53 cm. Plant spread: 44 cm. Typical growth rate: Slow. Pinching required: No. Branching characteristics: Outwards and upwards. Average number of lateral branches: About 10 major lateral branches. Length of lateral branches: 40 cm. Diameter of lateral branches: 5 mm. Lateral branch shape in cross section: Oval. Lateral branch texture: Rough, scaly. Branch angle: About 45 to 80 degrees from center. Lateral branch color: Greyed-Orange 165C with mature bark near Brown N200B. Lateral branch strength: Very strong. Internode length: Average range 1.5 to 3 cm.

FOLIAGE

(7) Leaf: Arrangement.—Alternate, overlapping scales. Shape.—Scales. Average length.—1 mm. Average width.—1 mm. Apex.—Acuminate. Base.—Truncate. Margin.—Entire. Texture of top surface.—Smooth, waxy. Texture of bottom surface.—Smooth, waxy. Color.—Young foliage upper side: Yellow-orange 19D, greyed-orange 170C fading into yellow-green 144A. Young foliage under side: Yellow-orange 19D, greyed-orange 170C fading into yellow-green 144A. Mature foliage upper side: Green 143A. Mature foliage under side: Green 143A. Venation.—Indistinguishable from leaf blade. Fragrance.—None.

FLOWER

(8) Flowering not observed.

OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

(9) Disease and pest resistance: Neither resistance nor susceptibility observed. Drought tolerance: No tolerance for drought. Temperature tolerance: −29° C. to 39° C.