Pot Grown Western Red Cedar
(Thuja plicata)

The glossy, dark green foliage of the Western Red Cedar is bolder than other types of conifers and is displayed in striking sprays. The leaves give off a sweet, pineapple-like scent when crushed between your fingers, making the Western Red Cedar that much more enticing. The plant also produces little cones, but it is most loved for its rich and dense leaves.

Thuja plicata Atrovirens, has proved to be the ideal hedge for any garden surrounded by heavy traffic, as well as country and suburban settings, due to the way it can effectively absorb pollution particles. Including this, the tall stature can make it the perfect background to any colourful and small plants, which just need an accompaniment to make them stand out from their surroundings. It can form the ideal evergreen screen for protection against wind and noise, as well as adding that needed length of privacy.

Western Red Cedar can grow in both sun and shade and is flourishes best in any well-drained soil. The hedge grows at 40-60cm per year, and is still considered fast growing, however you can still cut back into old wood without the risk of it browning (which you cannot do with Leylandii), and this therefore makes it that much easier to maintain.

• Growth height: Fast (40-60cm per year)
• Ideal height: 2.5m+ Tall
• Soil Type: Normal
• Exposure: Coastal, Exposed, Inland
• Aspect: Semi-shade, Sun
• Evergreen foliage? Yes

As it is pot grown, you can easily leave the plant in its pot for a few days/weeks before planting it. Just ensure you keep it well-watered, and it gets enough sun. Don't leave the plant for too long, however, as you don't want the roots becoming root bound.

The Western Red Cedar is rather simple to maintain, needing only a couple trims in a year- once in the Springtime and then again in early Autumn.

1. Prepare the soil by mixing in some compost. Dig the hole- this will have to be about twice the width of the root system, but the same depth.
2. Remove the plant from its pot by placing one hand on the base of the plant, and the other at the bottom of the pot. Wriggle the pot away gently.
3. Untangle the roots a little as they may be clumped together.
4. Place the plant into the hole, ensuring the base of the stem is level with the surface of the soil. Follow this with backfilling the hole with your soil mix, and patting down to lightly secure.
5. When you're done, thoroughly water the plant. Ensure you regularly water throughout its first year, as the plant needs plenty to be able to settle down, recover, and establish.