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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.

Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' hedge with bright green foliage.

Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' (Green Cedar)

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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.

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
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.

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 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...

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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 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...

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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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Crataegus laevigata 'Paul's Scarlet'

Crataegus laevigata 'Paul's Scarlet' is a magnificent deciduous flowering tree renowned for its masses of rich scarlet double flowers that cover the...

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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...

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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...

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Tabebuia rosea (Pink Poui)

Tabebuia rosea is a spectacular flowering tree admired for its masses of soft pink trumpet shaped blooms that appear before the foliage in spring...

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Tree Fertiliser (Tree Fertiliser)

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

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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...

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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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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...

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Ulmus 'Lobel' (Dutch Elm Tree)

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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...

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

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

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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...

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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...

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Liriodendron tulipifera (Tulip Tree) yellow flower amidst lush, green foliage.
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Liriodendron tulipifera, commonly known as the Tulip Tree, is a magnificent deciduous tree admired for its stately form and striking flowers. It...

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Knightia excelsa (Rewarewa) specimen tree in a park.
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Magnolia denudata 'Gere'

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Palm Tree Fertiliser (Palm Tree Fertiliser)

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Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree)

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Azara microphylla

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

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Fruit Tree Fertiliser (Fruit Tree Fertiliser)

Fruiting plants respond well to fruit tree fertiliser with better quality produce, higher yields, and a much healthier and brighter looking plant...

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Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' (Green Cedar)

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

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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.


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