Add a tidy evergreen accent to small beds and tight foundation spaces with Thuja occidentalis 'Danica' (American Arborvitae 'Danica'). You get a naturally rounded, dense globe of scale-like green foliage that holds its shape with little effort and adds reliable winter structure. Its compact size makes it easy to tuck into borders, rock gardens, and patio containers, where it reads as a soft green mound all year.
Plant it in full sun to part shade. In the warmest parts of its range, a bit of afternoon shade can help keep foliage looking its best. Choose well-drained soil that stays evenly moist; this plant is not at its best in dry sites, especially during establishment. Mulch to moderate soil moisture and temperature, and water deeply when the top few inches of soil begin to dry.
Because it grows slowly, pruning is usually minimal. If you need to refine the outline, shear lightly in late winter or early spring before new growth starts, or make small corrective snips after the spring flush. Avoid cutting into bare, old wood. Site it out of harsh winter wind when possible to reduce winter burn, and brush heavy snow from the plant to prevent breakage.
'Danica' is tolerant of many urban conditions and can be useful where black walnut is present. Give it enough space for its mature spread, and enjoy a low-maintenance evergreen that stays genuinely dwarf for years.