About
A large, evergreen, narrowly-pyramidal tree with aromatic, glossy, scale-like, sharply-pointed mid-green leaves, bronze-tinted in winter, are held in large drooping sprays on spreading branches.
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
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees, Conifers
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Cottage and informal garden
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 hedges in spring and late summer
PropagationPropagate from semi-ripe cuttings
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