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thuja bush

The thuja bush is a standout choice for any New Zealand garden, celebrated for its evergreen foliage, elegant form, and impressive hardiness. With lush, scale-like leaves and naturally dense growth, thuja bushes make splendid hedges, windbreaks, or graceful specimens in mixed borders. Their low-maintenance nature, tolerance to shaping, and year-round appeal have made them a popular favourite among both beginner and expert gardeners throughout the country.

A young Thuja plicata (Western Red Cedar) tree in a forest standing four metres tall.

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.

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
Thuja plicata 'Green Giant' trees standing 5 m tall as a lush, green screen.

Thuja 'Green Giant'

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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.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Conifers
Height: 12.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Hedging, Parks, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Architectural, Coastal, Formal, Japanese, Modern
Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' hedge with bright green foliage.
Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' (Green Cedar)

Thuja 'Smaragd', commonly known as the Green or Emerald Cedar, grows with a narrow, dense, and columnar habit. The foliage is rich green, sometimes...

A young Thuja plicata (Western Red Cedar) tree in a forest standing four metres tall.
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...

From$17.95
Thuja plicata 'Green Giant' trees standing 5 m tall as a lush, green screen.
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...

From$16.95
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Thuja plicata 'Old Gold'

Thuja plicata 'Old Gold' is a striking evergreen conifer valued for its rich golden foliage and dense growth habit. The vibrant colour provides year...

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Dodonaea viscosa (Green Ake Ake)

Dodonaea viscosa, commonly known as the Green Ake Ake, features lush, bright green leaves which are held densely off upright stems. The foliage is...

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A lush Coprosma repens shrub growing in a shaded position.
Coprosma repens (Taupata)

Coprosma repens, also known as Taupata or Mirror Plant, is a robust New Zealand native shrub featuring lush, glossy green foliage. Growing up to 3...

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Dodonaea viscosa purpurea shrub with colourful, purple foliage growing an an informal hedge.
Dodonaea viscosa purpurea (Purple Hop Bush)

Dodonaea viscosa purpurea, commonly known as Purple Ake Ake, features lush, purple leaves which are held densely off upright stems. The foliage is...

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Streptosolen jamesonii (Marmalade Bush)

Commonly known as the Marmalade Bush, this is an evergreen shrub grown for its colourful flowers. It produces bell-shaped, yellow-orange flowers at...

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Clerodendrum ugandense (Blue Butterfly Bush) blue flowers.
Clerodendrum ugandense (Butterfly Bush)

Clerodendrum ugandense, commonly known as the Blue Butterfly Bush, is an open, sprawling evergreen shrub favoured for its lovely masses of blue...

From$37.19
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Teucrium fruticans (Bush Germander)

Teucrium fruticans (Bush Germander) is a hardy evergreen shrub admired for its attractive silvery foliage and soft blue flowers that appear through...

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Calocephalus brownii (Cushion Bush)

Commonly known as the Cushion Bush, Calocephalus brownii is an impressive Australian native grown for its colourful stems and great form. It produces...

From$24.77
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Viburnum opulus Sterile

Viburnum opulus 'Sterile' (Snowball Bush) is a stunning deciduous shrub admired for its large rounded clusters of pure white flowers that resemble...

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A fabulous Convolvulus cneorum plant with grey foliage and masses of white flowers.
Convolvulus cneorum

Convolvulus cneorum Silver Bush is a striking compact shrub valued for its silvery foliage and masses of bright white funnel shaped flowers. This sun...

From$20.63
Buddleia fallowiana 'Lochinch' purple flower cluster amidst lush grey foliage.
Buddleia 'Lochinch'

Buddleia ‘Lochinch’ (Butterfly Bush) is a fast growing deciduous shrub admired for its long sprays of soft lavender blue flowers and silvery green...

From$23.39
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Thuja orientalis Aurea Nana

Thuja orientalis 'Aurea Nana' is a compact evergreen conifer admired for its dense golden foliage and naturally rounded growth habit. This attractive...

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Thuja occidentalis 'Rosedalis' plant with green and yellow foliage.
Thuja orientalis 'Rosedalis'

Thuja orientalis 'Rosedalis' is a compact evergreen conifer admired for its dense foliage and attractive bronze rose colouring during cooler months...

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Thuja occidentalis 'Caespitosa' plant.
Thuja occidentalis Caespitosa

Thuja occidentalis 'Caespitosa' is a compact evergreen conifer valued for its dense foliage, naturally rounded form, and tidy growth habit. This...

OUT OF STOCK
Thuja occidentalis 'Holmstrup' trees with dark green foliage.
Thuja occidentalis Holmstrup

Thuja occidentalis 'Holmstrup', commonly known as Eastern Arborvitae, has foliage that is rich green and produced with a layered effect that provides...

OUT OF STOCK
Thuja occidentalis (White Pine) green foliage.
Thuja occidentalis

Thuja occidentalis, commonly known as White Cedar or Eastern Arborvitae, is a hardy, evergreen conifer valued for its dense, pyramidal form and soft...

OUT OF STOCK
Thuja orientalis 'Blue Cone' shrubs with green foliage in pots.
Thuja orientalis 'Blue Cone'

Thuja 'Blue Cone' is a dwarf conifer that features dense and erect sprays of green foliage. It gets its name from the blue cones produced during...

OUT OF STOCK
Potentilla Raspberry Delight plant with fine green foliage and elegant pink flowers.
Potentilla Raspberry Delight (Bush Cinquefoil)

Potentilla 'Raspberry Delight' is a compact deciduous shrub admired for its vibrant raspberry pink flowers and exceptionally long flowering season...

OUT OF STOCK
Large Muehlenbeckia astonii shrub in a garden.
Muehlenbeckia astonii (Mingimingi)

Muehlenbeckia astonii, commonly known as the Wiggy Wig Bush or Shrubby Tororaro, is a distinctive New Zealand native shrub characterised by its...

OUT OF STOCK
Anigozanthos 'Bush Elegance' plants with dark red flowers above lush, green foliage.
Anigozanthos 'Bush Elegance'

Anigozanthos ‘Bush Elegance’ is a refined Kangaroo Paw featuring elegant soft toned flowers held above neat evergreen foliage. This compact variety...

OUT OF STOCK
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Viburnum opulus roseum (Snowball Bush)

Viburnum opulus 'Roseum', commonly known as the Snowball Tree, is a deciduous shrub celebrated for its striking, globe-like clusters of pure white...

OUT OF STOCK
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Backhousia anisata (Myrtle Bush)

Backhousia anisata, commonly known as the Aniseed Myrtle Tree, is a medium sized tree grown for its impressive flowering and delicate foliage...

OUT OF STOCK
Anigozanthos 'Bush Pearl' elegant pink flowers.
Anigozanthos 'Bush Pearl'

Anigozanthos 'Bush Pearl' is a stunning Kangaroo Paw variety prized for its masses of soft coloured flowers and long flowering season. The elegant...

OUT OF STOCK
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Anigozanthos Bush Tenacity

“Bush Tenacity” is a variety of the commonly known, Kangaroo Paw, and grown for its unusual flowers. It produces clusters of velvet covered...

OUT OF STOCK
Ceratopetalum Shiraz shrub with masses of red flowers.
Ceratopetalum Shiraz (Festival Bush)

Ceratopetalum Shiraz, commonly known as the Australian Christmas Bush, features masses of red-pink, star shaped flowers open during spring. The fine...

OUT OF STOCK
Anigozanthos 'Bush Eclipse' yellow and black flowers.
Anigozanthos 'Bush Eclipse' (Black Kangaroo Paw)

Anigozanthos 'Bush Eclipse' is a spectacular Kangaroo Paw variety valued for its striking flowers and long flowering season. The colourful blooms...

OUT OF STOCK
Olearia virgata shrub in a coastal environment.
Olearia virgata (Daisy Bush)

Olearia virgata, commonly known as Twiggy Tree Daisy, is a hardy New Zealand native shrub valued for its fine, twiggy growth habit. This evergreen...

OUT OF STOCK
Thuja plicata

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Coprosma, Dodonaea, and Streptosolen, or related Categories - Conifer Shrubs, Conifer Trees, and Evergreen Shrubs.

Search thuja bush

Why Grow a Thuja Bush?

A thuja bush offers foliage in rich shades of green or even golden tints, providing texture and structure to your outdoor space. With the right variety, you can enjoy privacy and shelter for years on end. These conifers are highly adaptable, thriving in most well-drained soils and preferring a spot in full sun to partial shade. With the ability to withstand harsh winds and moderate frosts, thuja bushes are particularly well-suited to New Zealand’s varied climates.

Top Thuja Varieties for New Zealand Gardens

Choosing the right thuja bush variety ensures you get the exact look and performance you want in your landscape. Here are some of our most popular and garden-worthy options:

Planting and Care

Plant your thuja bush in well-prepared soil with good drainage—amending clay soils will support healthy roots. Water new plantings regularly as they establish, and add a mulch layer to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Thujas respond well to gentle spring feeding with a slow-release fertiliser and benefit from light trimming to encourage bushy, dense growth.

Uses for Thuja Bushes

Thuja bushes are among the best plants for hedging, privacy screening, or creating structured garden backdrops. Smaller varieties, such as Thuja occidentalis Caespitosa and Thuja orientalis Aurea Nana, excel in pots or massed plantings, while taller forms like Thuja occidentalis 'Pyramidalis' offer effective wind protection and all-season shelter.

Bring Structure and Beauty to Your Landscape

No matter which thuja bush you choose, these versatile conifers bring effortless greenery and tailored form to New Zealand gardens. Browse our selection online to find the perfect match for your space and enjoy reliable, year-round beauty from a hardy and easy-care favourite.


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.

Rhododendron 'Pawhuska' and Ficus pumila are tried and true, but new favourites like Hydrangea 'You Me Passion', Acer palmatum 'Beni Otake', and Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca' are just waiting to be discovered.
–The Plant Company

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