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thuja occidentalis green giant

Thuja occidentalis Green Giant is a standout performer among conifer hedging and screening plants in New Zealand gardens. Prized for its fast growth, eye-catching lush green foliage, and dense columnar shape, the Green Giant is the ideal solution for those looking to create privacy, shelter, or simply add year-round structure to their landscape. If you want a conifer that's low-maintenance, disease-resistant, and versatile—suitable for both rural and urban settings—Thuja occidentalis Green Giant ticks all the boxes.

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.

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

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Why Choose Thuja occidentalis Green Giant?

Few hedging plants can compete with the rapid growth and robust habit of Thuja occidentalis Green Giant. Capable of shooting up 60cm or more per year under the right conditions, it's easy to establish a full, living privacy barrier in just a few seasons. The rich, glossy green foliage holds its colour through all seasons, forming a dense, wind-resistant wall that works beautifully as a screen, windbreak, or backdrop in formal and informal gardens.

Compared to other conifer options, Thuja occidentalis Green Giant boasts impressive resistance to common pests and diseases, making it a hardworking choice for busy gardeners or those seeking a reliable, long-lasting hedge.

Planting and Care Tips

For optimal performance, plant Thuja occidentalis Green Giant in well-drained soil with plenty of sunshine. Space plants approximately 1 to 1.5 metres apart for a seamless hedge. Water regularly during establishment and in dry spells, particularly in the first couple of years. Once established, your Green Giant will tolerate dry periods and cope with both cold and exposed sites.

A light prune once or twice a year will maintain the desired shape and encourage lush, dense growth. Feed with a general-purpose fertiliser in spring to keep your Green Giant thriving.

Comparing Thuja occidentalis Green Giant with Other Thujas

Wondering how Thuja occidentalis Green Giant stacks up against other popular conifers? For a slower-growing, more compact hedge, consider Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' (Green Cedar) or the slender Thuja occidentalis 'Pyramidalis'. Both are favourites for their refined forms and subtle colour differences.

If you prefer a golden hue, Thuja occidentalis 'Rheingold' offers lovely yellow foliage, or try Thuja plicata Old Gold (Thuja Old Gold) for a unique New Zealand-native twist. For a larger specimen, Thuja plicata is well worth considering, particularly for rural shelter belts.

Conifer Companions and Alternatives

Thuja occidentalis Green Giant combines beautifully with a range of other conifers. Create year-round interest by planting alongside silver-blue Picea glauca Conica, golden-foliaged Juniperus Winter Gold (Gold Juniper Plant), or the sculptural Juniperus chinensis Kaizuka. Add graceful contrast with the softly arching Cedrus deodara, or mix textures and shades using low-growing Taxus baccata Repandens.

Add Thuja occidentalis Green Giant to Your Garden

Bring structure, privacy, and elegant greenery to your garden with Thuja occidentalis Green Giant. Whether you’re after an effective windbreak, year-round living screen, or a formal hedge, this versatile conifer delivers exceptional results with minimal fuss. Explore our range of thujas and conifers to find the perfect match for your landscape.


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.

The spotlight often lands on Lomandra Lime Tuff and Agapanthus 'Gayles Lilac', but Juncus edgariae (Edgar's Rush), Hibiscus 'Snowdrift', and Azalea 'Happy Days' deserve a standing ovation too.
–The Plant Company

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