thuja occidentalis varieties
Exploring different Thuja occidentalis varieties is a rewarding way to add evergreen beauty, structure, and year-round colour to your garden. Known as American arborvitae or white cedar, these conifers are celebrated for their elegant habits, dense foliage, and adaptability to New Zealand landscapes. Whether you’re creating a privacy hedge, seeking a striking specimen plant, or adding texture to mixed borders, there’s a Thuja occidentalis variety perfectly suited to your needs. Discover the characteristics and uses of some of the most popular choices available to New Zealand gardeners.
Thuja plicata
Thuja plicata, commonly known as the Western Red Cedar, is a conifer that grows into an attractive and large tree. It grows with a dense, conical shape, producing green foliage that develops distinctive bronze tones during winter as it slowly grows to about 25 m tall and 15 m wide. The Western Red Cedar is commonly grown for timber production, but also makes for a stunning specimen in a large garden or park.
From $17.95
Thuja 'Green Giant'
Thuja 'Green Giant' is a smaller variety of Cedar and bears sprays of glossy, dark green foliage held on slender stems. The result is a tree with a somewhat layered appearance as it grows to 12 m tall and 3 m wide. Thuja plicata 'Green Giant' is commonly grown as a specimen, used as a screen, planted as a backdrop for smaller plants, or trimmed into a hedge. This is a low-maintenance plant that is very forgiving with excellent aesthetics.
From $16.95
