Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

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. The Western Red Cedar is commonly grown for timber production, but also makes for a stunning specimen in a large garden or park.

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
Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' hedge with bright green foliage.
Most Popular

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...

From$33.68
Thuja occidentalis 'Pyramidalis' trees with lush green foliage standing 1.5 metres tall in a plant nursery ready for sale.
Most Popular

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$33.68
thuja-old-gold-
Most Popular

Thuja plicata Old Gold (Thuja Old Gold)

Thuja plicata Old Gold features foliage that is rich yellow and develops bronze tones in winter. It is held in clusters which produces a layered...

From$299.92
Thuja plicata 'Green Giant' trees standing 5 m tall as a lush, green screen.
Most Popular

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$33.68
thuja-occidentalis-rheingold-
Most Popular

Thuja occidentalis 'Rheingold'

Thuja occidentalis Rheingold is dwarf conifer that features leaves that are golden yellow and take on copper tones during winter. The foliage is soft...

Araucaria heterophylla tree growing with elegant form.
Most Popular

Araucaria heterophylla (Norfolk Pine)

Araucaria heterophylla, commonly known as the Norfolk Pine, is a large evergreen tree with a symmetrical, pyramidal form. It features dense, narrow...

From$450.68
Large Juniperus 'Kaizuka' trees as a cluster.
Most Popular

Juniperus chinensis Kaizuka

Juniperus 'Kaizuka', commonly known as the Hollywood Juniper tree or Torulosa Juniper, is an upright conifer with an oriental style. It bears...

From$299.92
Juniperus 'Skyrocket' shrubs with blue-grey foliage.
Most Popular

Juniperus 'Skyrocket'

Juniperus 'Skyrocket', commonly known as the Skyrocket Juniper or Rocky Mountain Juniper, is a popular conifer that grows as a broad column. It...

From$299.92
cupressus-gracilis-1
Most Popular

Cupressus Gracilis (Italian Spruce)

Cupressus Gracilis is a popular and versatile plant suitable for New Zealand gardens, offering year-round interest and unique appeal.

From$358.98
cupressus-green-spire-2
Most Popular

Cupressus Green Spire

Cupressus Green Spire is a conifer valued for its slender, upright habit that brings an architectural effect. It carries fine, dark -green foliage...

From$28.28
Thuja plicata

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring Thuja or Conifer Trees.

Search Thuja plicata

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.


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.

–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.9

433 Google reviews