Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
Price range: Contact Us
Rating: 4.8/5

cupressus thuja

If you’ve been searching for cupressus thuja, you’re likely interested in bold, evergreen statement-makers that thrive in New Zealand gardens. While “cupressus thuja” is often used to describe either Cupressus (cypress) or Thuja (arborvitae) species, each group brings distinct beauty and versatility to landscapes. Both genera are loved for their vibrant foliage, easy care, and year-round structure in gardens both large and small. Whether you’re seeking a privacy screen, windbreak, or an elegant specimen tree, understanding the differences between cupressus and thuja will help you make the best choice for your landscape plans.

Cupressus sempervirens 'Stricta' (Pencil Cypress)

Cupressus sempervirens 'Stricta' is a tall narrow evergreen conifer admired for its dense upright form and rich dark green foliage. This classic architectural tree provides year round structure, privacy, and formality in NZ landscapes while also creating a striking vertical feature in modern and Mediterranean inspired gardens.

Buy Cupressus sempervirens 'Stricta' (Pencil Cypress)

From $179.91

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Conifers

Height: 20.00 m

Spread: 75 cm

Tolerances: Extended dry periods, Hardy

Garden uses: Hedging, Parks, Screening, Specimen, Topiary

Garden styles: Architectural, Formal, Mediterranean, Modern

Cupressus Green Spire

Cupressus Green Spire is a conifer valued for its slender, upright habit that brings an architectural effect. It carries fine, dark -green foliage which is held tightly on upright branches as it grows to 5 m tall and 90 cm wide.

Buy Cupressus Green Spire

From $28.91

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Conifers

Height: 5.00 m

Spread: 90 cm

Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy

Garden uses: Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen

Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern

Comparing Cupressus and Thuja

Cupressus, including popular varieties like Cupressus lusitanica and Cupressus sempervirens, are renowned for their upright form, aromatic foliage, and tolerance to coastal conditions, making them ideal for hedging and shelterbelts. On the other hand, Thuja species, such as Thuja occidentalis and Thuja plicata, offer lush, scale-like leaves and a range of golden, green, and bronze tones throughout the year. Both groups perform well in a range of New Zealand’s climates, requiring minimal maintenance once established.

If you’re drawn to ground-hugging varieties, Cupressus Greenstead Magnificent offers a low-growing, feathery blue foliage perfect for covering banks or cascading over walls. For gardeners wanting a splash of colour, Thuja occidentalis 'Rheingold' provides brilliant golden tones in spring and summer, complemented by a neat, conical shape that suits borders and containers alike.

Uses for Cupressus and Thuja in New Zealand Gardens

Cupressus thuja species are often chosen for their low-maintenance nature and adaptable landscaping potential. Cupressus varieties are excellent for creating tall privacy screens and shelterbelts, while thujas are perfect as formal hedges, windbreaks, and fillers among mixed shrub plantings. Their aromatic foliage also makes them resistant to browsing by most livestock and common garden pests.

For contemporary gardens, try integrating the silvery blue foliage of Cupressus Blue Ice (Blue Arizona Cypress) for a striking contrast to traditional green hedges. If you prefer a warmer palette, Thuja plicata Old Gold (Thuja Old Gold) showcases soft gold and green tones that brighten foundation plantings and large garden beds.

Drought Tolerance and Coastal Hardiness

A major advantage of planting cupressus thuja types is their resilience. Both genera are highly drought-tolerant once established and withstand New Zealand’s drying winds exceptionally well. They grow happily in a range of soils, provided there’s good drainage, and both are excellent choices for coastal gardens where salt-laden winds challenge many other trees.

Among standout shelter tree options is Cupressus lusitanica Mangamahoe, loved for its vigorous growth and dense, conical habit that forms an effective wind barrier or screen.

Choosing the Right Cupressus or Thuja

When choosing your perfect evergreen, consider the space available, desired mature height, and foliage colour. Both cupressus and thuja selections have a place in the well-planned New Zealand garden, offering shelter, privacy, and year-round beauty. Browse our range to discover the finest Cupressus Greenstead Magnificent, resilient Cupressus Blue Ice (Blue Arizona Cypress), and eye-catching Thuja plicata Old Gold (Thuja Old Gold) for your landscape transformation.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

cupressus thuja

Cupressus sempervirens 'Stricta' (Pencil Cypress)

Cupressus Green Spire

Did you find what you are looking for?

Comparing Cupressus and Thuja

Uses for Cupressus and Thuja in New Zealand Gardens

Drought Tolerance and Coastal Hardiness

Choosing the Right Cupressus or Thuja

Contact us

Explore Garden Inspiration

cupressus thuja

Cupressus sempervirens 'Stricta' (Pencil Cypress)

Cupressus Green Spire

Did you find what you are looking for?

Comparing Cupressus and Thuja

Uses for Cupressus and Thuja in New Zealand Gardens

Drought Tolerance and Coastal Hardiness

Choosing the Right Cupressus or Thuja

Contact us

Explore Garden Inspiration

Free shipping on orders over $150!