Western red Cedar (Thuja plicata 'Virescens')

With a dense habit that stays evergreen throughout the year, the Western Red Cedar hedge makes a visually striking hedge in any outdoor space. It generally thrives in moist environments and regions with cooler summer climates, but does well in a variety of settings. It has a vibrant green color year-round and makes an excellent privacy hedge.

7089-Thuja-plicata-Virescens-Western-red-cedar-InstantHedge-unit-cardboard-for-planting

This arborvitae (Thuja plicata 'Virescens') InstantHedge unit is in a biodegradable cardboard container and ready to be shipped for a privacy screen.

7088-Thuja-plicata-Virescens-Western-red-cedar-InstantHedge-foliage

Somewhat fragrant foliage on this arborvitae/western red cedar sports reddish-brown stems.

Quick Guide

Western Red Cedar Tree is best for zone 5-8

Thuja Plicata ‘Virescens’ is dense but not overly constricted, and the foliage works well with casual or regular pruning. Virescens Western Red Cedar grows best in moist, fertile soils with good drainage and performs especially well in cooler environments.
The tree is native to the Pacific Northwest where it is typically found damp forested areas, from southern Alaska along the coast to northern California and from British Columbia east to Montana.
The Western Red Cedar is the largest tree in the Cypress family. In its native habitat, it can reach up to 200 feet tall and live for hundreds, and even thousands, of years.
The Western red cedar growth rate is fast, up to 2' per year.
The tree’s scale-like foliage is aromatic when crushed and its red-brown bark is equally fragrant.

THUJA PLICATA VIRESCENS DETAILS

There are a number of immediate benefits to choosing & planting Western Red Cedar for your next hedge:

Dark glossy green foliage that keeps its form and color in all seasons
Conical shape and fast growth that responds well to hedging
Tall mature height creates a great privacy screen
Easy to maintain in different climates
With a taller and narrower habit than other Thujas, the vertical branching on Thuja plicata ‘Virescens’ makes a uniquely attractive hedge. To explore other types of Arborvitae, take a look at Green Giant Arborvitae , Emerald Green Arborvitae and American Arborvitae.

USDA Hardiness Zones:	5 - 9
Your Hardiness Zone:	ZIP:
Sun/Shade:	Partial Shade to Full Sun
Deer Resistance:	Yes
Watering Requirements:	Moderate
Growth Rate:	Fast, up to 2’ per year
Mature Size:	Up to 12’ height and 4’ width
Drought Tolerance:	Moderate
West Coast - Sunset Heat Zones:	1 - 9, 15 - 17, 21 - 24, 32 - 45
Pest/Disease Issues:	No major pest or disease issues. Susceptible to beetle borers, leaf miner and spider mites, oak root rot.

Quick Features of Virescens Western Red Cedar-

The native Western Red Cedar is commonly found in north western United States and Canada.
It has scale like foliage which is glossy, green and aromatic.
Virescens Western Red Cedar’s dense, bushy habit makes it one of the best evergreen privacy hedges.
It is easy to maintain as it needs pruning twice a year.
Its foliage creates secure, safe and comfortable nesting ground for birds.
Thuja plicata ‘Virescens’ grows best in deep, moist and well drained soil.

Caring Thuja Plicata Virescens-

Fertilize Thuja plicata ‘Virescens’ with a basic tree and shrub slow-release fertilizer in early spring to invite new growth. To encourage bushy growth, prune it in early spring or late winter. Prune lightly and frequently, avoiding pruning into old wood to prevent browning. Apply mulch in fall to protect the roots, conserve water, and enrich the soil.