Thuja Plicata (Western Red Cedar)

Thuja plicata, commonly known as Western Red Cedar, is a large, impressive evergreen conifer valued for its dense foliage, aromatic scent and strong, upright form. It is an excellent choice for hedging, screening, shelterbelts and larger landscape planting.

The tree develops a tall, narrowly pyramidal habit and can eventually reach around 35 metres in height, making it best suited to larger gardens and open spaces. Its spreading branches curve upwards at the tips, creating an attractive, architectural shape.

The glossy, scale-like mid to dark green foliage is held in large, drooping sprays and releases a distinctive aromatic scent when crushed. The evergreen leaves provide reliable year-round colour, privacy and shelter.

Small, egg-shaped cones, around 1.3cm long, are produced as an additional feature.

With its dense growth and impressive mature size, Western Red Cedar is particularly useful for creating substantial evergreen screens and shelterbelts. It can also be grown as a striking specimen where there is sufficient room for it to develop.

Plant in full sun or partial shade in fertile, well-drained soil. With its aromatic evergreen foliage, strong pyramidal form and excellent screening ability, Thuja plicata is a dependable choice for adding privacy, shelter and year-round structure to larger gardens and landscapes.