Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

thuja occidentalis hedge

A Thuja occidentalis hedge is one of the most reliable and attractive options for privacy, wind protection, and defining outdoor spaces in New Zealand gardens. Known for its lush, evergreen foliage and structured growth, Thuja occidentalis varieties offer a fresh, formal look year-round. Whether you’re keen on creating a classic living screen, boosting your property’s curb appeal, or enhancing your landscape with a low-maintenance feature, Thuja occidentalis hedges deliver on all fronts. Popular for their dense growth and ability to thrive in our climate, these conifers are ideal for both small urban plots and expansive rural gardens.

Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' hedge with bright green foliage.

Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' (Green Cedar)

5 from 2 customers

Thuja 'Smaragd', commonly known as the Green or Emerald Cedar, grows with a narrow, dense, and columnar habit. The foliage is rich green, sometimes tinged bronze in winter, and produced with a somewhat layered effect to give the plant an interesting texture. It typically grows to 7 m in height and 2.5 m in width in full sun.

From $17.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Conifers
Height: 7.00 m
Spread: 2.50 m
Tolerances: Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Screening
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Modern
Thuja plicata 'Green Giant' trees standing 5 m tall as a lush, green screen.

Thuja 'Green Giant'

5 from 1 customers

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.

From $16.95

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 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
thuja-old-gold-
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...

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 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...

Japanese Box (Buxus microphylla) plants with lush green foliage.
Buxus microphylla (Littleleaf Boxwood)

Buxus microphylla, commonly known as Japanese Box or Littleleaf Boxwood, is a compact evergreen shrub renowned for its dense, glossy green foliage...

From$44.95
Buxus sempervirens perfectly manicured balls.
Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood)

Buxus sempervirens, commonly known as English Box or Box Hedge, is a classic evergreen shrub popular in New Zealand for formal hedging and topiary...

From$12.95
Pittosporum 'Marjorie Channon' variegated foliage.
Pittosporum 'Marjorie Channon' (Kohuhu)

Pittosporum ‘Marjorie Channon’ is a popular evergreen shrub admired for its striking variegated foliage. Its green leaves are edged with creamy...

From$22.01
Buxus 'Silver Beauty' plant with dark green and yellow variegated foliage.
Buxus sempervirens 'Silver Beauty' (Silver Boxwood)

Buxus sempervirens 'Silver Beauty', commonly known as Box Hedge, features small leaves that are dark green with irregular, cream-silver margins, and...

From$99.95
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...

From$18.95
Choisya ternata with lush foliage and white flowers.
Choisya ternata (Mexican Mock Orange)

Choisya ternata, commonly known as Mexican Orange Blossom, is a lush, evergreen shrub prized for its glossy green foliage and clusters of fragrant...

From$24.77
Pittosporum 'Stephens Island' green foliage.
Pittosporum 'Stephens Island' (Dwarf Karo)

Pittosporum ‘Stephens Island’ is a compact, evergreen shrub known for its dense, upright growth and attractive grey-green foliage. A hardy New...

From$22.01
A Viburnum 'Dense Fence' hedge with lush, green foliage.
Viburnum 'Dense Fence'

Viburnum 'Dense Fence' is a fast growing evergreen shrub selected for its naturally dense habit, glossy green foliage, and excellent screening...

From$27.53
ligustrum-rotundifolium-4
Ligustrum 'Rotundifolium'

Ligustrum 'Rotundifolium' (Japanese Privet) is a hardy evergreen shrub admired for its rounded glossy green leaves and dense compact growth habit...

From$24.77
westringia-aussie-box-
Westringia 'Aussie Box'

Westringia 'Aussie Box' is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its dense bright green foliage, naturally rounded habit, and small white flowers that...

From$18.95
Dodonaea viscosa small tree with green foliage.
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...

From$13.95
Griselinia 'Canterbury' hedge with lush green foliage.
Griselinia 'Canterbury'

Griselinia 'Canterbury' is a compact New Zealand native shrub prized for its bright green foliage held on attractive red-brown stems. It forms a...

Gardenia Frost Proof shrub with white flowers and dark green foliage.
Gardenia 'Frostproof'

Gardenia 'Frostproof' is a hardy, evergreen shrub renowned for its fragrant white flowers and glossy, dark green foliage. Reaching around 90–120 cm...

From$18.95
Pittosporum 'Wrinkled Blue' speciment tree.
Pittosporum 'Wrinkled Blue'

Pittosporum ‘Wrinkled Blue’ is an attractive, upright evergreen tree known for its distinctive blue-grey foliage and dense, columnar growth habit...

From$22.01
Feijoa 'Opal Star' fruit.
Feijoa 'Opal Star'

Feijoa 'Opal Star' is a standout choice for New Zealand gardens. Feijoa 'Opal Star' is a late-season variety of Feijoa that produces medium to...

From$41.33
feijoa-pounamu-
Feijoa 'Pounamu'

Feijoa 'Pounamu' is an early-season variety that produces medium-sized fruit with a thin, smooth skin. The flesh is sweet and juicy and has a tangy...

From$35.81
grevillea-clearview-david-
Grevillea 'Clearview David'

Grevillea 'Clearview David' is a vigorous evergreen shrub known for its attractive foliage and masses of soft coloured flowers. Flowering over a long...

From$99.95
Griselinia Broadway Mint hedge with lush, green foliage.
Griselinia 'Broadway Mint'

Griselinia Broadway Mint, commonly known as NZ Broadleaf, is a fast-growing, evergreen New Zealand native shrub prized for its dense, glossy...

From$12.95
Ilex 'Largo' plant with lush, dark green foliage.
Ilex 'Largo'

Ilex ‘Largo’ is a bold, evergreen holly variety known for its dense, glossy green foliage and broad, upright growth habit. It forms a tidy shrub...

From$136.04
A well trimmed Ficus Tuffy hedge with lush green foliage.
Ficus Tuffi

Ficus 'Tuffi', also known as Ficus Tuffy, is a dense, upright evergreen shrub popular in New Zealand for hedging and screening. It features glossy...

From$8.95
Photinia 'Red Robin' hedge with colourful foliage.
Photinia 'Red Robin'

Photinia ‘Red Robin’ is a popular evergreen shrub renowned for its vibrant red new growth, which contrasts beautifully with the mature glossy green...

From$18.95
Pittosporum 'Oliver Twist' small, green foliage.
Pittosporum 'Oliver Twist'

Pittosporum 'Oliver Twist' is a NZ native shrub with small, olive-green leaves held densely on narrow, black stems. This evergreen typically grows to...

From$22.01
A Michelia 'Velvet and Cream' tree with masses of cream-white flowers amidst glossy green foliage.
Michelia 'Velvet and Cream'

Michelia 'Velvet and Cream' is a compact, evergreen tree admired for its glossy, dark green foliage and fragrant, creamy white flowers that bloom...

From$34.43
Corokia 'Little Prince' plants with grey stems and small green leaves at The Plant Company nursery.
Corokia 'Little Prince'

Corokia 'Little Prince' is a small and twiggy, NZ native shrub that features small, grey-brown leaves and black stems. The slim, intertwined stems...

From$13.95
Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Ruby' red and green foliage.
Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Ruby'

Lonicera 'Honey Hedge Ruby' is a superb hedge forming honeysuckle valued for its deep green foliage and profusion of rich ruby toned flowers. This...

From$16.95
Elegant Michelia 'Bubbles' admisdt lush, green foliage.
Michelia 'Bubbles'

Michelia ‘Bubbles’ is a striking evergreen shrub or small tree valued for its glossy green foliage and masses of creamy white, fragrant flowers that...

From$41.33
Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' (Green Cedar)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Buxus, Pittosporum, and Thuja, or related Categories - Conifer Shrubs, Conifer Trees, and Evergreen Shrubs.

Search thuja occidentalis hedge

Why Choose Thuja occidentalis for Your Hedge?

Thuja occidentalis, also known as American Arborvitae or Northern White Cedar, is prized for its elegant, upright habit and fine-textured foliage. This species grows steadily, forming a thick, verdant barrier that’s not only beautiful but highly functional. The hedge delivers privacy while sheltering your garden from wind and noise. Thuja occidentalis is also highly adaptable, tolerating a range of soil types and conditions, and remains vibrant throughout all seasons.

One of the biggest advantages of a Thuja occidentalis hedge is its low ongoing care requirements. With regular watering during establishment and light pruning to shape, these hedges stay tidy and robust for years. Their non-invasive roots make them perfect for planting near fences, driveways, pathways, and other structures.

Best Thuja occidentalis Varieties for Hedging

Selecting the right variety is key to achieving your dream hedge. Each cultivar has unique growth habits, foliage colour, and ultimate size:

Planting and Care Tips for Thuja occidentalis Hedges

To start your Thuja occidentalis hedge, choose healthy plants from a nursery and space them according to the desired hedge thickness. Plant in well-draining soil, and mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Water regularly during the first year, then reduce to occasional deep soakings. Annual pruning after spring growth helps maintain a symmetrical, dense hedge.

In New Zealand’s temperate climate, Thuja occidentalis hedges require minimal maintenance. They are resistant to most pests and diseases, making them a hassle-free choice for gardeners of all experience levels.

Elevate Your Landscape with a Thuja occidentalis Hedge

Whether you opt for classic green foliage, gold-toned leaves, or a compact form, adding a Thuja occidentalis hedge transforms your outdoor environment. Browse our full range, including Thuja occidentalis Holmstrup, Thuja occidentalis, Thuja occidentalis 'Pyramidalis', Thuja occidentalis 'Rheingold', and Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' (Green Cedar), to find the perfect hedge for your garden goals.

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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Griselinia 'Canterbury' and Austrocylindropuntia vestita (Furry Cactus) are beloved staples, but Cyperus ustulatus (Giant Umbrella Sedge), Magnolia grandiflora 'Ferruginea', and Prunus 'Shimidsu Sakura' bring fresh energy to any planting scheme.
–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.8

463 Google reviews