About
A large, evergreen, narrowly-pyramidal tree with aromatic, glossy, scale-like, sharply-pointed lime green leaves, bronze-tinted in winter, are held in large drooping sprays on spreading branches; makes a good compact hedge.
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
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeConifers
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Cottage and informal garden
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 hedges in spring and late summer
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer
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