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The mature bark of a Thuja plicata Atrovirens -
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Small Thuja plicata Atrovirens -
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Western Red Cedar
Thuja plicata AtrovirensAbout this product
The Thuja plicata Atrovirens, also known as the Western Red Cedar, is an important timber tree in its native North America. In the UK, it is more frequently used as a hedging conifer. Introduced in the mid-1870s, it received the Award of Garden Merit in 2002.
This large conifer is suited to most soil types, including normal, chalk, and clay soils. It thrives in full sun to semi-shaded areas and can be planted in inland, exposed, and coastal sites. Unlike most evergreens, it does best on moist to well-drained soil.
Thuja plicata Atrovirens is a popular alternative to Leylandii hedging, as it is slower growing but still provides a dense, evergreen hedge. It is considered fast-growing at 40-60cm per annum and can be cut back into old wood without risk of browning, making it much easier to maintain. This characteristic makes it an excellent choice for a low-maintenance, evergreen screen for privacy.
Its vibrant mid-to dark green foliage is glossier than that of other conifers and highly fragrant. When crushed, it gives off a sweetly aromatic scent often likened to pineapple. Additionally, the leaves are aromatic, and the plant can produce small cones.
Overall, Thuja plicata Atrovirens forms an excellent evergreen screen for privacy, with the added benefits of fragrant foliage and suitability for various planting conditions.
Mature height: 20m+
Specifications
- Common names
- Western Red Cedar
- Height of tree
- 20m+
- Tree type
- Evergreen
- Soil type
- Well drained, Will tolerate most soil types
- Shape
- Pyramidal
- Foliage Colour
- Green
- Information Flags
- Award
- Looks good in
- Winter
- Privacy
- Screening from ground level
- Location
- Garden, Parkland
- Genus
- Thuja