Thuja plicata
Western red cedar, Western arbor vitae
- Height × spread
- 0.5m – 25m × 0.4m – 6m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
The species forms a large and handsome cone-shaped tree with attractive aromatic foliage. There are a good range of pleasing and variable cultivars, some of which largely replicate the character of the species but on a smaller scale. The gold foliage of 'Canadian Gold' reaches 7 metres, about a third of the height of the species, whilst yellow and bronze 'Rogersii' reaches a mere 2 metres at 20 years. There is a handsome form with whipcord foliage and a weeping habit, 'Whipcord'. For lively colour 'Zebrina Extra Gold' makes a green and gold pyramid. Many varieties make excellent hedging plants and there are a few dwarf forms, 'Pumila' and 'Pygmaea' being the key examples.
- Foliage colour
- Brown, Gold, Green, Yellow
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, some varieties
- Shape
- Column, Cone, Round, Weeping
- Height
- 0.5m – 25m
- Spread
- 0.4m – 6m
- Season of interest
- Winter
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Small scale garden, Seaside garden, Scented garden, Rock garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Hedge, Screening, Structural, Architectural, Deer resistant, Bird attraction
- Maintenance
- Easycare – low/no maintenance
- Hazards
- Yes, some poisonous
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Planting & general
Planting
Protect & support young trees
Attach a newly planted tree or tall shrub over 1m to a tree stake to give support and prevent windrock. Use a tree guard to stop tree bark being eaten by animals, especially in areas with deer - removing bark injures a tree and in worst case can kill it.
Found in
More Thuja
Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd'
American arbor vitae, White cedar, Yellow cedar
Thuja plicata 'Whipcord'
Western red cedar, Western arbor vitae
Thuja
Red cedar, Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis
American arbor vitae, White cedar, Yellow cedar
Thuja occidentalis
American arbor vitae, White cedar, Yellow cedar
Thuja occidentalis 'Amber Glow'
American arbor vitae, White cedar, Yellow cedar
Thuja occidentalis 'Anniek'
Dwarf white cedar
Thuja occidentalis 'Brobecks Tower'
White cedar