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thuja tree

The thuja tree is a popular evergreen conifer, cherished by New Zealand gardeners for its lush, feathery foliage and versatile uses in the landscape. Whether you need a dense privacy hedge, a handsome specimen tree, or a windbreak for your garden, the thuja tree delivers year-round beauty with minimal fuss. With their naturally symmetrical shape and vibrant green to golden hues, these hardy conifers create a structured, elegant backdrop or focal point in any outdoor space.

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.

From $17.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Conifers
Height: 22.50 m
Spread: 5.00 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Parks, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Architectural, Coastal, Modern
thuja-old-gold-

Thuja plicata 'Old Gold'

5 from 1 customers

Thuja plicata 'Old Gold' is a striking evergreen conifer valued for its rich golden foliage and dense growth habit. The vibrant colour provides year round interest and creates an attractive contrast with darker green plants in the landscape.

From $289.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Conifers
Height: 6.00 m
Spread: 2.50 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern
Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' hedge with bright green foliage.
Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' (Green Cedar)

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

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
Thuja occidentalis 'Pyramidalis' trees with lush green foliage standing 1.5 metres tall in a plant nursery ready for sale.
Thuja occidentalis 'Pyramidalis'

Thuja occidentalis 'Pyramidalis' is an elegant conifer that grows with a narrow and dense, pyramidal shape. The foliage is dark green, sometimes...

From$17.95
Thuja orientalis 'Blue Cone' shrubs with green foliage in pots.
Thuja orientalis 'Blue Cone'

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

From$289.95
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Jute Tree Tie

Jute Tree Tie is a natural and flexible option for securing young trees to stakes while they establish. The soft material helps reduce rubbing and...

From$64.67
A large Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa tree).
Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa Tree)

Beilschmiedia tawa, commonly known as the Tawa Tree, is a tall and graceful evergreen native to New Zealand. It is admired for its straight trunk...

From$313.00
A Parrotia persica 'Pendula' specimen tree with pendulous green foliage.
Parrotia persica 'Pendula' (Weeping Persian Ironwood)

Parrotia persica 'Pendula', commonly known as the Weeping Persian Ironwood, is a tree grown for its fantastic autumn colours and weeping growth...

From$270.40
podocarpus-gracilior-
Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine)

Podocarpus gracilior (Fern Pine) is an elegant evergreen tree valued for its fine textured foliage, graceful form, and versatility in the landscape...

From$270.40
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PB60 Planter Bags (Bag For Xmas Tree)

PB60 Planter Bags are a strong and practical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and advanced nursery stock. Their...

From$169.50
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PB28 Planter Bags (Christmas Tree Bag)

PB28 Planter Bags are a durable and economical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and other mature nursery stock. Their...

From$130.50
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' trees with yellow foliage in autumn.
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' (Tulip Tree)

Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata', also known as the Upright Tulip Tree, is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its narrow, columnar form. It...

From$515.35
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...

From$30.29
Phyllocladus trichomanoides lush green foliage.
Phyllocladus trichomanoides (Celery Pine)

Phyllocladus trichomanoides, commonly called Celery Pine, is a striking New Zealand native tree valued for its unique, celery like foliage and tall...

From$515.35
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Ulmus 'Lobel' (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus 'Lobel' is a refined deciduous elm valued for its narrow upright form, dense green foliage, and excellent suitability as an avenue or specimen...

From$557.95
A large Agathis australis (Kauri tree) in a native reserve.
Agathis australis (New Zealand Kauri)

Agathis australis, commonly known as the Kauri tree, is a revered New Zealand native conifer renowned for its immense size and longevity. Reaching...

From$269.95
Melia azedarach tree.
Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree, White Cedar) is a graceful deciduous tree valued for its attractive fern like foliage, fragrant clusters of lilac...

From$387.55
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Tree Fertiliser

Using tree fertiliser results in plants having better quality foliage, more profuse flowering, stronger stems, and a much healthier and brighter...

From$16.95
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Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree)

Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree) is a spectacular deciduous tree prized for its striking flushes of vibrant pink foliage that mature through...

From$270.40
Myoporum laetum (Ngaio) tree with lush foliage and white flowers growing in a coastal location.
Myoporum laetum (Ngaio)

Myoporum laetum, commonly known as Ngaio, is a NZ native tree grown for its lush foliage and showy flowers. It features large, fleshy, green leaves...

From$28.91
A large Tilia platyphyllos tree in a park.
Tilia platyphyllos

Tilia platyphyllos (Large-Leaved Linden) is a magnificent deciduous tree admired for its large heart shaped leaves, fragrant pale yellow flowers, and...

From$515.35
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Acer platanoides

Acer platanoides (Norway Maple) is a large deciduous tree prized for its broad canopy, dense shade, and attractive seasonal colour. The lush green...

From$249.95
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Cloth Tree Tie

Cloth Tree Ties are a soft, flexible solution for securely supporting young trees and plants while they establish. Made from durable cloth material...

From$9.28
schinus-molle-3
Schinus molle (Peruvian Peppercorn)

Schinus molle (California Pepper Tree) is an elegant evergreen tree admired for its graceful weeping branches, fine textured foliage, and attractive...

From$281.05
emguard-biodegradable-plant-shelter-
Tree Guards

Tree Guards provide a simple and effective way to protect young trees from animals, wind, accidental damage, and herbicide spray. They create a...

From$5.00
robinia-frisia-1
Robinia 'Frisia'

Robinia 'Frisia' is a striking deciduous tree prized for its brilliant golden yellow foliage that provides vibrant colour from spring through autumn...

From$387.55
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu) tree juvenile foliage.
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree)

Dacrydium cupressinum, commonly known as Rimu or Red Pine, is an iconic and slow-growing tree. The juvenile form features drooping branches densely...

From$99.29
Liriodendron tulipifera (Tulip Tree) yellow flower amidst lush, green foliage.
Liriodendron tulipifera

Liriodendron tulipifera, commonly known as the Tulip Tree, is a magnificent deciduous tree admired for its stately form and striking flowers. It...

From$387.55
magnolia-denudata-gere-4
Magnolia denudata 'Gere'

Magnolia denudata 'Gere' is a magnificent deciduous tree celebrated for its large, fragrant white flowers that appear in late winter and early spring...

From$387.55
azara-microphylla-2
Azara microphylla

Azara microphylla (Vanilla Tree) is a graceful evergreen tree admired for its small glossy leaves and wonderfully fragrant yellow flowers. In spring...

From$387.55
koelreuteria-paniculata-1
Koelreuteria paniculata

Koelreuteria paniculata (Golden Rain Tree) is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its bright yellow flower clusters and attractive foliage. In...

From$270.40
Thuja plicata

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Beilschmiedia, Parrotia, and Podocarpus, or related Categories - Tree ties, Conifer Shrubs, and Conifer Trees.

Search thuja tree

Planting and Growing the Thuja Tree

Planting a thuja tree adds both structure and softness to your garden. Thriving in full sun to partial shade, thujas perform best in well-drained soil and respond well to regular mulching and moderate watering. Once established, most varieties are quite drought-tolerant, making them an excellent choice for gardens throughout New Zealand. Prune lightly to maintain your preferred shape, and enjoy their naturally dense growth.

If you're considering compact varieties for smaller spaces or formal borders, Thuja occidentalis Caespitosa is a superb dwarf cultivar with tight growth habits. For classic hedging, explore the tough, upright Thuja occidentalis, which offers beautiful green foliage year-round and responds exceptionally well to trimming.

Popular Thuja Tree Varieties

The thuja tree family offers a range of forms, from gold-tipped to refined, compact cultivars. Thuja occidentalis 'Rheingold' is cherished for its golden-orange foliage in winter and soft, feathery appearance all year. For larger gardens or feature plantings, Thuja plicata brings impressive stature and reliability—ideal for windbreaks and privacy screens. Those seeking a golden accent will love the striking Thuja plicata Old Gold (Thuja Old Gold), with new growth emerging a vibrant yellow against deeper green.

Each of these varieties adapts readily to New Zealand's conditions, filling roles from structural hedging to standout feature plants in a mixed border.

Uses for Thuja Trees in the New Zealand Garden

The thuja tree is best known for its dense, evergreen foliage, making it an outstanding choice for privacy hedges, windbreaks, and shelterbelts. Plant thujas along boundaries for effective screening, or use compact cultivars to edge pathways and frame driveways. With their manageable growth and adaptability, thujas integrate beautifully into both formal gardens and more relaxed, native designs.

Choosing the right variety—whether it's the classic Thuja occidentalis, ultra-compact Thuja occidentalis Caespitosa, golden-tipped Thuja occidentalis 'Rheingold', or architectural Thuja plicata Old Gold (Thuja Old Gold)—ensures a lasting, low-maintenance addition to your landscape.

Shop Thuja Trees for Your Garden

Ready to add a thuja tree to your landscape? Explore our range of thuja varieties including classic Thuja occidentalis, compact Thuja occidentalis Caespitosa, and striking Thuja plicata Old Gold (Thuja Old Gold). With premium plants and expert advice, transforming your garden with the enduring beauty of thuja has never been easier.

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.
Cereus tetragonus and Agapanthus 'Gayles Lilac' may be the stars of the show, but unsung heroes like Betula platyphylla 'Japonica', Thymus citriodorus 'Aurea' (Citrus Thyme), and Callistemon 'Rocky Rambler' (Red Bottlebrush) deserve a moment in the sun.
–The Plant Company

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