Overview
Thuja plicata 'Excelsa' is a narrowly conical conifer in the genus Thuja, part of the Cupressaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Thuja plicata 'Excelsa' 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. It is native to Alberta and British Columbia.
About
Thuja plicata 'Excelsa' is an evergreen conifer with a narrowly conical habit, used where a tall, upright element is required. It originates from Alberta and British Columbia and keeps foliage year-round, with seasonal activity in spring and summer. Plant in full sun on neutral loam that remains moist but drains freely; it tolerates both exposed and sheltered sites. Suited to hedges, screening and specimen planting.
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 plicata 'Excelsa' is a narrowly conical evergreen conifer originating from Alberta and British Columbia. As a member of the Cupressaceae, it holds a vertical, compact outline that makes it distinct among larger arborvitae types and valuable where height with a restrained footprint is needed. For best results place plants in full sun on a loam-based soil with a neutral pH, keeping the rootzone moist but free-draining. It tolerates both exposed and sheltered positions, and its UK hardiness rating of H7 means it is fully hardy across the country without the need for winter protection. Give regular moisture through establishment years and avoid waterlogged or very dry, depleted soils. Use 'Excelsa' for formal hedges, tight screening lines or as a single specimen where a narrow profile is wanted. It provides evergreen structure through winter while producing most of its growth in spring and summer. Because of its narrowly conical habit, 'Excelsa' performs particularly well in gardens where horizontal space is limited but a tall, green screen or vertical accent is required.
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 plicata 'Excelsa' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Conifer
- Habit
- Narrowly conical
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Hedges, Screening, Specimen planting
- Native to
- Alberta, British Columbia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Thuja plicata 'Excelsa'
- 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 plicata 'Excelsa'?
Thuja plicata 'Excelsa' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Thuja plicata 'Excelsa' need?
Thuja plicata 'Excelsa' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Thuja plicata 'Excelsa' hardy in the UK?
Thuja plicata 'Excelsa' 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 plicata 'Excelsa'?
Semi-hardwood cuttings.
More in the Thuja genus
- Thuja occidentalis 'Smokey'Northern White-Cedar
- Thuja occidentalis 'Southport'Northern White-Cedar
- Thuja plicata 'Kager's Beauty'Western Redcedar
