Thuja occidentalis is an extremely durable plant, but it does not take particularly well to life in a pot over winter. They do burn rather easily & are only a little better than Picea glauca in that regard. Protected from west wind and direct south sun would be helpful if you do decide to give them a try. You'll need to be vigilant about supplying water, especially when temps are above freezing. No fertilizer necessary over winter until you see fan extension begin in spring. This plant is sensitive to any salt in soil, including both run-off from sidewalks/drives and fertilizer salt build-up as well as being sensitive to airborne salt solutions from road spray.

There are other plants that might be interesting and even shaped similarly in the Juniperus & Pinus genera that, when containerized, would be equally hardy and less sensitive to winter burn if you're interested.

Good luck.

Al

Thank you Al. Yes, I would be interested in other plants that might be more suitable. I am really looking for something that is evergreen and narrow. Do you have any recommendations? Salt would not an issue in the location where I would put them.

Juniperus scopulorum 'Blue Arrow'
Juniperus scopulorum 'Gray Gleam'
Juniperus chinesis 'Hetzii Columnaris'
Juniperus virginiana 'Skyrocket'
Pinus cembra 'columnaris' (Swiss stone pine. Narrower than species plant)
Pinus nigra 'Obelisk' (Austrian pine. Narrow columnar & very vigorous)

Of the junipers, scopulorum bronzes very little (many junipers change to a bronze color during winter). The list should give you something to research. ;o)

Al

Thank you Al. The size of the blue arrow juniper would be best. However, sometimes the scent of junipers can be too much - at least for me. I have not been able to find a photo of the obelisk austrian pine, however, the descriptions I have found sound perfect.

Hi, Suzie

I have four (4) Arborvitaes in pots (lg. pots) where they've been for several years. I think this will be their third or fourth winter. I move them close to a large trellis from November to March, and at that point they are east facing. I don't know if the trellis is enough to give them protection . . . it just makes me feel better. I water them till the soil in the pot is frozen, sometimes as late in the year as December. You'll see the water run-off when the soil thaws in the spring . . . at which time you can start watering.

During the heat of summer I water the pots twice per week or every 4 days, depending on the weather. They are healthy and vigorous and smell wonderfully.

I think you should give it a try.

Good Luck!

I have several kinds of potted evergreens, but nothing works better than yew. It's almost absurdly easy to grow, though it might not like full sun all the time. The east side sounds right to me, however.