Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy
Thuja plicata, also known as the western red cedar, is a conifer found growing in the forests of Western North America. Allowed to grow naturally, it makes a tall, conical-shaped tree that can reach up to 35m high. It bears slightly drooping branches of mid-green, scale-like leaves, and has attractive, egg-shaped pine cones. Thuja plicata makes a fantastic, fast-growing hedging plant.
How to grow Thuja plicata
Plant Thuja plicata in a sunny spot in moist but well-drained soil. Trim hedges twice a year in spring and late summer but do check for nesting birds beforehand and leave pruning until autumn if you think birds may be using the hedge. Be careful if you have sensitive skin as the foliage may aggravate skin allergies.
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Thuja and wildlife
Thuja has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
