Overview
Thuja occidentalis 'Southport' is a narrowly conical conifers in the genus Thuja, part of the Cupressaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Thuja occidentalis 'Southport' grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include hedges, screening and specimen planting.
About
Thuja occidentalis 'Southport' is a narrowly conical evergreen conifer with an upright columnar habit. It retains foliage through spring and summer. It performs best in full sun on neutral loam that is moist but well-drained and will tolerate both exposed and sheltered sites. Use it for hedges, screening or as a vertical specimen.
About the genus
Thuja is a genus of coniferous tree or shrub in the Cupressaceae. There are five species in the genus, two native to North America and three native to eastern Asia. The genus is monophyletic and sister to Thujopsis.
Wikipedia contributors, "Thuja", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Thuja
In the garden
Thuja occidentalis 'Southport' is a cultivated form of Thuja occidentalis (family Cupressaceae), a species native to eastern Canada and parts of the north‑central and north‑eastern United States. The 'Southport' selection keeps a narrow, conical outline that suits confined sites or where a vertical accent is required. Plant 'Southport' in a sunny position on loam with a neutral pH and soil that remains moist yet drains freely; avoid waterlogged ground. It will tolerate exposed and sheltered exposures and is rated H7 for the UK, meaning it is fully hardy through typical UK winters. Siting on south‑, east‑ or west‑facing aspects will give the best foliage performance through spring and summer. Where space is limited, 'Southport' makes an effective formal hedge or screen without taking excessive lateral room, and as a single specimen it provides a clear vertical line in the border. Regular formative planting in the early years will help maintain its narrow profile; once established it holds its shape, making it straightforward to retain as a continuous screen or stand‑alone column.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Thuja
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Thuja occidentalis 'Southport' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Conifers, Trees
- Habit
- Narrowly conical
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Hedges, Screening, Specimen planting
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Thuja occidentalis 'Southport'
- Propagation
- Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Scale insects, Conifer aphid
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus, Thuja blight, Coryneum canker
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Thuja occidentalis 'Southport'?
Thuja occidentalis 'Southport' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Thuja occidentalis 'Southport' need?
Thuja occidentalis 'Southport' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Thuja occidentalis 'Southport' hardy in the UK?
Thuja occidentalis 'Southport' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Thuja occidentalis 'Southport'?
Semi-hardwood cuttings.
More in the Thuja genus
- Thuja occidentalis 'Smokey'Northern White-Cedar
- Thuja plicata 'Excelsa'western red cedar 'Excelsa'
- Thuja plicata 'Kager's Beauty'Western Redcedar