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thuja occidentalis nz

Discovering the best options for Thuja occidentalis NZ is easy with our extensive range of reliable, hardy conifers ideal for New Zealand gardens. Thuja occidentalis, also known as Northern White Cedar, is an attractive evergreen renowned for its lush green foliage, upright habit, and year-round interest. Its adaptability and versatility make the species a popular choice for privacy hedges, windbreaks, and low-maintenance borders throughout the country. Whether you dream of creating a structured formal garden or simply want an easy-care hedge, Thuja occidentalis NZ stands out as a practical and beautiful solution.

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'

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. 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
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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...

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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5 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost-effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

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Sophora longicarinata yellow flowers.
Sophora longicarinata (Limestone Kowhai)

Sophora longicarinata is a rare and beautiful NZ native tree belonging to the kowhai family. This evergreen to semi deciduous species is admired for...

From$323.65
Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' plants in pots.
Coprosma kirkii 'variegata'

Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' is a hardy NZ native groundcover shrub admired for its trailing habit and attractive variegated foliage of green edged...

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PB6.5 Planter Bags (Grow Bags On Line)

These PB6.5 planter bags are 100 microns thick and hold 3.6 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

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PB1.5 Planter Bags (PB Bags)

These PB 1.5 planter bags are 80 microns thick and hold 1 litre of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for handling...

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Metrosideros kermadecensis 'variegata' red flowers and variegated foliage.
Metrosideros kermadecensis variegata (Variegated Pohutukawa)

Metrosideros kermadecensis 'Variegata' is a striking NZ native shrub or small tree admired for its glossy green leaves edged with creamy variegation...

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35L Planter Bags (Growing Bags)

These 35L planter bags have two handles and hold 35 litres of growing media. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for handling and...

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Dysoxylum spectabile tree.
Dysoxylum spectabile (New Zealand Mahogany)

Dysoxylum spectabile, commonly known as Kohekohe, is a majestic NZ native tree admired for its glossy dark green leaves and clusters of fragrant...

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Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King (Rowan Tree NZ)

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King is a variety of the commonly known, Mountain Ash, and is a small-sized, deciduous with impressive characteristics...

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Poa cita

Poa cita, commonly known as Silver Tussock, is a clump-forming NZ native grass with delicate, green foliage that wafts gracefully in the breeze. It...

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Grape Steubens

Grape 'Steubens' is a popular table grape known for its sweet, juicy red berries and reliable performance in NZ gardens. This vigorous vine produces...

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Metrosideros 'Wee Willie Winkie' ground cover plant.
Metrosideros Wee Willie Winkie

Metrosideros 'Wee Willie Winkie' is a delightful compact NZ native shrub admired for its vibrant red flowers that appear in summer and attract native...

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A large Metrosideros 'Maori Princess' trees in an avenue with masses of red flowers.
Metrosideros 'Maori Princess'

Metrosideros 'Maori Princess' is a stunning cultivar of the NZ Christmas tree (Pohutukawa) and is renowned for its brilliant crimson-red flowers and...

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PB3 Planter Bags (Grow Bags Online)

These PB3 planter bags are 80 microns thick and hold 1.8 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for handling...

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Coprosma 'Rainbow Surprise' pink and dark red foliage.
Coprosma 'Rainbow Surprise'

Coprosma ‘Rainbow Surprise’ is a vibrant NZ shrub admired for its colourful and glossy foliage. The leaves display a lively mix of pink, cream, and...

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Coprosma kirkii green foliage held on yellow stems.
Coprosma kirkii

Coprosma kirkii, commonly known as Creeping Coprosma, is a hardy NZ native groundcover shrub valued for its dense, trailing habit and small glossy...

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Magnolia grandiflora 'Ferruginea'

Magnolia grandiflora 'Ferruginea' is a magnificent evergreen magnolia known for its glossy green foliage, striking rusty brown leaf undersides, and...

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Metrosideros excelsa (Pohutukawa) specimen tree with masses of red flowers in a coastal location.
Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

Metrosideros excelsa, commonly known as Pōhutukawa or the New Zealand Christmas Tree, is a coastal evergreen renowned for its brilliant red flowers...

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Pittosporum 'Irish Luck'

Pittosporum 'Irish Luck' is a hardy evergreen shrub known for its dense, bright green foliage and tidy growth habit. This versatile plant is well...

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Metrosideros 'Lighthouse' plant with red flowers and olive-green foliage.
Metrosideros 'Lighthouse'

Metrosideros 'Lighthouse' is a compact and hardy NZ native shrub renowned for its vibrant red flowers that burst into colour during summer. Its...

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Disphyma australe pink flowers and fleshy, green leaves.
Disphyma australe (NZ Ice Plant)

Disphyma australe, commonly known as NZ Ice Plant, is a hardy and attractive groundcover valued for its fleshy, bright green foliage and striking...

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Phormium 'Veneer'

Phormium 'Veneer' is a striking NZ flax known for its upright, sword like leaves with rich bronze and green tones. This hardy evergreen adds bold...

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Ginkgo 'Ming Princess'

Ginkgo 'Ming Princess' is a compact, ornamental form of the ancient ginkgo tree, valued for its fan shaped leaves and brilliant golden yellow autumn...

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Orange 'Fukumoto'

How to grow Orange ‘Fukumoto’ in NZ

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PB95 Planter Bags (Growing Bags Near Me)

These PB95 planter bags are 240 microns thick and each bag holds 50 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

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Libocedrus plumosa (Kawaka) tree with green-yellow foliage.
Libocedrus plumosa (Kawaka)

Libocedrus plumosa, commonly known as Kawaka, is a majestic NZ native conifer valued for its graceful, feathery foliage and elegant pyramidal form...

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Thuja plicata

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Coprosma, Sophora, and Thuja, or related Categories - Plant pots, Planter Bags, and Conifer Shrubs.

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Why Choose Thuja occidentalis in New Zealand?

Thuja occidentalis thrives in New Zealand’s variable climate, handling cold winters and warm summers with ease. These conifers perform well in both full sun and partial shade, and they tolerate a range of soil conditions—from clay to sandy loam. Their dense, conical growth habit makes them particularly effective for creating privacy screens or shelterbelts, helping you design a tranquil outdoor space protected from wind and noise. Furthermore, Thuja occidentalis is low-maintenance and relatively disease-resistant, reducing the effort required to keep your garden looking its best.

Popular Varieties of Thuja occidentalis NZ

New Zealand gardeners can select from several distinctive Thuja occidentalis varieties, each with unique characteristics. Classic Thuja occidentalis is perfect for traditional hedging, while Thuja occidentalis 'Pyramidalis' offers a narrow, columnar form ideal for tighter spaces or formal rows. For a compact, slow-growing specimen, Thuja occidentalis Holmstrup features neat, dense foliage with a tidy shape that needs minimal trimming. The ever-popular Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' (Green Cedar) remains vibrant green throughout the year, even in winter, making it a top pick for year-round colour. If you’re after an ornamental touch, Thuja occidentalis 'Rheingold' stands out with its golden-bronze foliage in autumn and winter, providing a striking contrast in mixed plantings or rock gardens.

Planting and Caring for Thuja occidentalis in NZ

To get the most from your Thuja occidentalis NZ selection, plant in well-drained soil with added compost to encourage strong root development. Water deeply during the first growing season, then allow natural rainfall to provide most of the moisture once established. A spring mulch helps retain moisture and suppress weeds, while an annual feed with a balanced slow-release fertiliser will promote healthy new growth. Pruning is rarely needed but can be done to maintain shape or desired height, particularly for hedges.

Enhance Your NZ Garden With Thuja occidentalis

Choosing Thuja occidentalis NZ adds versatility and elegance to your home landscape. Whether you opt for the stately Thuja occidentalis 'Pyramidalis', the vibrant Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' (Green Cedar), or the golden hues of Thuja occidentalis 'Rheingold', you’ll be investing in a plant that delivers lasting beauty with minimal fuss. Explore our full selection and transform your New Zealand garden with the sophisticated charm of Thuja occidentalis.


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