About
Cones are egg-shaped and around 1.3cm long. A large, evergreen, narrowly-pyramidal tree reaching an ultimate height of up to 35m. Aromatic, glossy, scale-like, sharply-pointed mid to dark green leaves are held in large drooping sprays on spreading branches that curve upwards at the end.
About the genus
Thuja are fast-growing evergreen trees of narrowly conical habit, with flat sprays of tiny, aromatic, scale-like leaves and small knobbly cones
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeConifers, Trees
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesArchitectural
Native toW North America
FragranceFoliage
ToxicityHarmful if eaten, skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained soil in full sun with shelter from cold, drying winds. See conifer cultivation for further advice
PruningNo pruning required; trim in spring and late summer if grown as a hedge
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer; propagate by seed in late winter in containers in a cold frame
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects and conifer aphid
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to diseases including honey fungus, Phytophthora root rot and thuja blight. See conifers: brown patches for further advice