Species western red cedar Guide
green foliage on brown branches and trunks

western red cedar

Thuja plicata 'Cuprea'

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 7

Flowers:

Non-flowering Flowers

Sun:

Full sun Partial sun Shade

Soil:

Loamy Clay Humus Rocky

Fruits:

Fruits In Summer Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

bronze

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

Western red cedar (Thuja plicata 'Cuprea') should be watered deeply, but infrequently during warmer months. Water this plant species thoroughly once or twice a week. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, as this plant species does not like to have consistently wet soil. Ensure the soil never completely dries out during summer – water on consecutive days if necessary. In the winter, water only when the soil is almost completely dry – no more than once a month.

sunlight

Western red cedar (Thuja plicata 'Cuprea') grows best when provided with full sun or partial shade. This evergreen conifer prefers full sun for at least 6 hours a day in the growing season. It is a good idea to keep its foliage out of the direct midday rays of the summer, as these may cause scorching of the leaves. Provide filtered sunlight, if possible, and avoid positioning the plants amid large deciduous trees, which may block out some of the necessary light.

pruning

Western red cedar should be pruned twice a year, in February and August. Start early in the season when possible, as this will give your cedar a chance to fill out the shape. Prune very lightly, making sure to only remove dead, damaged and crossing branch tips. Remove any outward-facing limbs for a compact, conical shape, as well as any branches that will damage nearby structures or interfere with other plants or utilities. Occasionally, more drastic pruning may be necessary to keep the tree within its desired size and shape.