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thuja western red cedar

Thuja western red cedar, scientifically known as Thuja plicata, is one of New Zealand’s favourite evergreen conifers for hedges, shelter belts, and landscape plantings. Renowned for its lush, feathery foliage and aromatic wood, Thuja western red cedar thrives in our temperate climate and adapts well to a range of sites – from urban gardens to rural properties. Its fast growth, resilience, and versatility make it a superb choice for privacy screens, windbreaks, or as a striking specimen tree. Whether you want a natural barrier or a unique focal point, Thuja plicata delivers year-round beauty and practical benefits.

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.

A young Thuja plicata (Western Red Cedar) tree in a forest standing four metres tall.
  • 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
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Thuja plicata

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About Thuja plicata (Western Red Cedar)

Thuja western red cedar is prized for its rich green leaves that retain colour throughout the seasons, creating dense hedges and borders. Mature trees can reach impressive heights, but regular trimming keeps your hedge tidy and shapely. The soft, fern-like foliage emits a pleasant earthy scent, and the plant is generally resistant to pests and diseases. It’s also tolerant of wet soils and shaded areas, making it a great option where other hedges struggle.

Uses in the Garden

Thuja western red cedar is exceptionally versatile in New Zealand gardens. It’s often used for:

If you’re considering other conifers for your garden, explore different forms and colours, such as Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' (Green Cedar) for a narrow hedge, Thuja occidentalis 'Pyramidalis' for a classic pyramidal shape, or Thuja plicata Old Gold (Thuja Old Gold) with its golden foliage.

Planting and Care Tips

For best results, plant your Thuja western red cedar in moist, well-drained soil, and water regularly until young plants establish. It copes well with both full sun and partial shade. Space multiple plants 50-80cm apart for a dense hedge, and mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Occasional feeding with a slow-release fertiliser will encourage rapid, healthy growth. Prune after spring flush to maintain shape and encourage bushy form.

Related Conifers to Consider

If you love conifers' architectural beauty, you may also enjoy Thuja 'Green Giant' for rapid-growing hedges, Thuja occidentalis 'Rheingold' for golden tones, and Abies koreana Blauer Eskimo for unique bluish colour. Native shelter trees like Tsuga heterophylla (Western Hemlock) complement western red cedar beautifully, while formal garden enthusiasts favour Taxus baccata (English Yew) or Cupressus gigantea. For unusual conifers, Thuja orientalis 'Rosedalis' offers intriguing foliage and compact size.

Why Choose Thuja Western Red Cedar?

Thuja western red cedar brings New Zealand gardeners superb privacy, shelter, and timeless beauty. With low maintenance and excellent adaptability, it’s the ideal foundation plant for your landscape. Explore more conifer varieties and transform your garden with lasting greenery.


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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.

Rhododendron 'Pawhuska' and Ficus pumila are beloved staples, but Castanea sativa 1005 (Chestnut), Cornus kousa 'Milky Way', and Cedrus deodara bring fresh energy to any planting scheme.
–The Plant Company

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