Species western red cedar
dark-green foliage on dark-brown branches and trunks

western red cedar

Thuja plicata 'Virescens'

The Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata 'Virescens') is an evergreen coniferous tree native to western North America. It is characterized by its fragrant reddish-brown wood, full, lush foliage, and impressive height (up to 75 feet). The large fan-like branches sprout soft, bright green needles which darken with maturity. This drought-tolerant tree has a low to moderate water requirement and can thrive in many soil types, making it a versatile addition to any garden. Western Red Cedar is a deep rooter, providing excellent soil stabilization and ideal for windbreaks and hedges. Its unique wood and dense foliage make it a popular choice among gardeners.

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

Cones:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,yellow

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

Western red cedar (Thuja plicata 'Virescens') should be watered once a week, using approximately 1 inch of water. If the soil becomes too dry, water a little bit more, until the soil is damp throughout. If the plant is planted in an area with mostly clay or sandy soil, it should be watered more often. During the growing season, during hot summer months, it may need to be watered twice a week.

sunlight

Western red cedar (Thuja plicata 'Virescens') requires full sunlight for healthy growth. To ensure optimal light requirements, plant this species in an area that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. In addition, western red cedar should be planted in sites that provide protection from strong winds as too much wind can cause the branches to become dry and brittle.

pruning

Western red cedar (Thuja plicata 'Virescens') should be pruned twice a year, in the late winter/early spring and again in the late summer/early fall. Prune lightly in the spring by removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. In the summer, thin out any branches that are growing too close together to increase airflow, and make any desired cuts to shape the shrub. When pruning, avoid cutting more than a third of the plant back in any 1 season.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Western red cedar typically starts flowering in April.

Hardiness Map