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thuja plicata nz

Thuja plicata NZ, commonly known as Western Red Cedar, is a versatile and majestic evergreen conifer that thrives across many regions of New Zealand. Renowned for its classical beauty, fast growth, and resilience, Thuja plicata NZ is a favourite for landscaping, hedging, and shelterbelt projects. Whether you are seeking an elegant privacy screen, a windbreak for your rural property, or an impressive specimen tree, Western Red Cedar is an excellent choice for both home gardens and commercial landscapes.

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.

A young Thuja plicata (Western Red Cedar) tree in a forest standing four metres tall.
  • Suited to regions:
    All regions
  • Plant type:
    Conifers
  • Height:
    25.00 m
  • Spread:
    15.00 m
  • Tolerances:
    Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
  • Garden uses:
    Parks, Screening, Specimen
  • Garden styles:
    Architectural, Coastal, Modern
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Thuja plicata Old Gold (Thuja Old Gold)

Thuja plicata Old Gold features foliage that is rich yellow and develops bronze tones in winter. It is held in clusters which produces a layered...

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Thuja plicata

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Why Choose Thuja plicata NZ?

Western Red Cedar stands out for its dense, evergreen foliage, soft and aromatic leaves, and appealing columnar shape. In New Zealand conditions, Thuja plicata grows vigorously, reaching impressive heights of up to 15 metres (or more, if untrimmed), making it exceptional for tall hedges and privacy screens. Its lush green colour endures year-round, ensuring your landscape looks vibrant even in winter.

Gardeners also appreciate Thuja plicata's adaptability. It flourishes in full sun or partial shade and tolerates a range of soil types, provided there is reasonable drainage. Once established, these trees are low-maintenance and tolerant of coastal winds, making them perfect for New Zealand’s diverse climate.

Landscaping and Practical Uses

Thuja plicata NZ is widely sought after for creating structured, living boundaries that serve multiple purposes. Plant it as a hedge for privacy, a shelterbelt to protect from prevailing winds, or as a backdrop to highlight feature plants and garden textures. If you are planning a layered conifer garden, consider pairing Thuja plicata with other popular conifers such as Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' (Green Cedar), Thuja occidentalis 'Pyramidalis', and the striking Cedrus deodara for varied height and texture.

Thuja plicata NZ Varieties

For gardeners who appreciate golden foliage, Thuja plicata Old Gold (Thuja Old Gold) is a delightful selection, offering all the resilience of standard Western Red Cedar with a radiant twist. If you’re interested in other Thuja species for comparison, Thuja occidentalis 'Rheingold' delights with its unique colour, while Thuja 'Green Giant' impresses with its vigour and rapid growth rate.

Planting and Care Tips

To get the best from your Thuja plicata NZ, space plants approximately 80 to 100 centimetres apart for a dense, formal hedge. Enrich the planting area with organic matter, keep your new hedge well-watered in the first growing season, and apply mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture. For a tidy appearance, trim your Western Red Cedar annually once it's established.

Explore Further Conifer Options

If your garden design calls for a diverse palette of conifers, explore options like Taxus baccata (English Yew), Cupressus Totem, Juniperus 'Mint Julep', and Cedrus atlantica. These conifers pair beautifully with Thuja plicata NZ, offering endless possibilities for creative evergreen landscapes.

Choose Thuja plicata NZ for a timeless, reliable, and eye-catching addition to your New Zealand garden. Whether for privacy, shelter, or sheer aesthetic value, Western Red Cedar delivers performance you’ll enjoy for generations.


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–The Plant Company

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