thuja orientalis

Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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Thuja orientalis, also known as Oriental Arborvitae, is a versatile, slow-growing conifer that brings year-round structure and lush greenery to New Zealand gardens. With its naturally compact habit and soft, scale-like foliage, thuja orientalis is an enduring favourite for hedges, borders, foundation planting, or as a statement specimen in mixed shrub beds. Its adaptability to a range of soil conditions, paired with resistance to pests and diseases, makes it an excellent low-maintenance option for both beginner gardeners and seasoned landscapers.

Typha orientalis (Raupo) plants with brown seed heads.

Typha orientalis (Raupō)

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Typha orientalis, commonly known as Raupo, is a vigorous and erect, NZ native grass. It is found throughout New Zealand in shallow, fertile waters such as sheltered lakes and swamps and will grow in water up to one metre deep. Plants will typically grow to 2.5 m tall and 1 m wide, but will quickly colonise larger areas as the roots spread.

Buy Typha orientalis (Raupō)

From $14.84

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Grasses

Height: 2.50 m

Spread: 1.00 m

Flowering time: Summer

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wet

Garden uses: Ponds, Screening

Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native, Riparian

Thuja orientalis 'Blue Cone'

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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 winter. It grows to an oval shape, reaching approximately 1 m in height and 70 cm in width, and performs best when planted in full sun.

Buy Thuja orientalis 'Blue Cone'

From $289.95

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Conifers

Height: 1.00 m

Spread: 70 cm

Tolerances: Hardy

Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas

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

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Helleborus, Thuja, and Typha, or related Categories - Conifer Shrubs, Conifer Trees, and Grasses.

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Features and Growth

Thuja orientalis stands out with its dense, upright form and gently aromatic, evergreen leaves. Foliage emerges bright green and may take on bronze or golden hues in winter, providing seasonal interest. Height typically ranges from 2-5 metres, but growth rate and ultimate size can vary depending on the cultivar and growing conditions. This conifer tolerates full sun to part shade and is remarkably wind-hardy—crucial in exposed New Zealand gardens. It requires little pruning to maintain its tidy shape, and unlike some conifers, won’t easily grow out of control.

Popular Varieties

Many gardeners in New Zealand love the diversity of thuja orientalis cultivars, each offering unique colours and growth habits. Compact options like Thuja orientalis Aurea Nana display golden-yellow new growth and retain a small, rounded form, perfect for low hedges or containers. For bursts of seasonal colour, Thuja orientalis 'Rosedalis' delights with rosy-tipped spring foliage. If you’re seeking something unusual, Thuja orientalis 'Blue Cone' brings eye-catching blue-toned cones and compact branching, adding character to mixed plantings.

While researching this species, you might also come across Thuja occidentalis, a closely related conifer that shares similar uses and eye-pleasing appearance.

Uses in the Garden

Thuja orientalis’s tidy habit and year-round colour make it a top performer for formal hedging, privacy screens, and evergreen backdrops. It responds well to clipping and shaping, so it’s often planted as a classic hedge or topiary. In smaller gardens or where space is limited, dwarf varieties like Thuja orientalis Aurea Nana provide structure without overwhelming their neighbours. Pair these conifers with contrasting textural plants or grasses for a dynamic effect—consider adding moisture-loving species like Typha orientalis (Raupō) near ponds or rain gardens for a naturalistic, layered look.

Planting and Care Tips

Thuja orientalis is happiest in well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter, but it adapts to clay or sandy conditions as long as extremes are avoided. Water young plants regularly, especially over dry summers, to help establish deep roots. Once established, these conifers are notably drought-tolerant and cope well with the challenging New Zealand climate. A layer of mulch will help conserve soil moisture and keep the roots cool. Feed with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring to promote healthy new growth and enhance foliage colour.

Whether you need a classic formal hedge or a statement specimen, thuja orientalis’s reliability, resilience, and beauty ensure it remains a cornerstone of low-maintenance gardening in New Zealand. Explore the rich variety of cultivars to find the perfect fit for your outdoor space.

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.