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.
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 'Green Giant'
- Thuja koraiensisKorean arborvitae
- Thuja occidentalis 'Barabits Gold'
- Thuja occidentalis 'Bateman Broom'
- Thuja occidentalis 'Beaufort' (v)
- Thuja occidentalis 'Boothii'
- Thuja occidentalis 'Buchananii'
- Thuja occidentalis 'Caespitosa'