Western red cedar (Thuja plicata 'Virescens')
Thuja plicata 'Virescens' is a narrow, glossy evergreen known as Western red cedar, perfect for screens in zones 5-7.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Thuja plicata ‘Virescens’, commonly recognized as the Western red cedar cultivar, offers gardeners a slender, upright evergreen form ideal for foundation plantings or narrow screens. This variety maintains a densely packed, glossy, dark green foliage that resists winter bronzing, ensuring year-round visual appeal. While the species is immense, the ‘Virescens’ cultivar is scaled for residential landscapes, typically reaching 20 to 30 feet tall.
Native to the moist, cool forests of the Pacific Northwest, this selection of the Western red cedar adapts well where conditions mimic its homeland. Its aromatic foliage and attractive form provide significant texture and vertical contrast in mixed borders or as a stately specimen. Gardeners relying on this plant should recognize its preference for consistent moisture, essential for maintaining the health of this majestic conifer.
For those needing a substantial but narrowly dimensional evergreen capable of functioning as a windbreak or visual barrier, Thuja plicata ‘Virescens’ is an excellent choice. Its relatively quick growth rate helps establish privacy screens efficiently, making it a valuable architectural element in structured garden designs.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Cupressaceae
- Plant Type: Needled evergreen
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-7
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 20-30 ft
- Spread: 9-12 ft
- Bloom Time: Non-flowering
- Bloom Description: Non-flowering
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Optimal planting for Thuja plicata ‘Virescens’ occurs in spring or fall when temperatures are moderate, allowing root establishment before summer heat or winter cold. Choose a location providing full sun to light afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. This evergreen thrives in moist, fertile, well-drained soils; avoid sites where water pools, though it appreciates consistent moisture.
Watering should be managed as medium; while established Western red cedar is somewhat drought tolerant, the ‘Virescens’ cultivar performs best with consistent hydration, especially during the first few growing seasons. Fertilization is often unnecessary if the soil is rich, but a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring can support growth. Pruning is rarely required due to its naturally narrow pyramidal form, but minor shaping to maintain screen width can be done in late winter.
Gardeners must respect the native climatic preferences of this plant. It thrives in cooler summer zones and may struggle quickly in areas characterized by intense heat and dry soils, such as the interior United States. Provision of afternoon shade is recommended if planting in the hotter edge of its hardiness range to mitigate potential stress.
Landscape Uses
The narrow, pyramidal habit of Thuja plicata ‘Virescens’ makes it a superior choice where space prohibits the wider habit of many other evergreens. It is highly recommended for use as an effective visual screen, providing dense coverage that softens property lines without demanding excessive horizontal space. This Western red cedar functions beautifully as a formal accent or specimen planting near architectural features.
When used in rain gardens, its preference for moist, fertile ground is perfectly accommodated. Group plantings of three or five create a strong vertical mass that draws the eye upward. For a dynamic design, pair the deep green foliage of Thuja plicata ‘Virescens’ with contrasting textures, such as broadleaf deciduous shrubs or fine-textured ornamental grasses that tolerate partial shade.
Standout Features
Noteworthy Characteristics
Thuja plicata, commonly called western red cedar or giant red cedar, is native to the Pacific Northwest where it is typically found in cool but moist forest areas and bottomlands from southern Alaska along the Pacific coast to northern California and in the northern Rockies from British Columbia to Montana. This is the largest tree in the cypress family, growing in its native habitat to 100-200’ tall and living from 400 to 1000+ years. It features horizontal branching with sprays of scale-like dark green foliage that is aromatic when crushed. Fibrous, aromatic, reddish-brown bark. Small, upright, light brown seed cones (to 1/2” long).Genus name is the Greek name for a kind of juniper (Juniperus.)Specific epithet means pleated.‘Virescens’ is a narrow pyramidal tree with ascending branches. It grows somewhat rapidly (to 2’ per year), typically rising over time to 20-30’ tall with a spread of 9-12’ wide. Glossy, dark green foliage holds good green color year round without bronzing in winter.
Tolerances
- Clay Soil
- Black Walnut
Potential Problems
The Western red cedar cultivar, Thuja plicata ‘Virescens’, generally enjoys low susceptibility to major insect or disease issues when planted in ideal conditions. However, sporadic attacks from common pests like bagworm may occur, and poor drainage can lead to fungal rots in the root system. Prevention centers on proper site selection; ensure excellent soil drainage, as standing water is detrimental to the health of this conifer.
It is important to note that regional environmental mismatches can cause struggles. Gardeners in hot, arid climates, particularly those far removed from the Pacific Northwest climate zones, may find this plant less resilient. In such areas, diligent watering and afternoon shade become critical management techniques to keep the dense foliage looking its best.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Western red cedar suitable for?
The recommended range for successful growth of Thuja plicata ‘Virescens’ is USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 7.
How large does Thuja plicata ‘Virescens’ grow?
This specific cultivar typically matures to a height between 20 and 30 feet, retaining a relatively narrow spread of 9 to 12 feet wide.
What sun exposure does Western red cedar need?
This needled evergreen performs best when situated in locations receiving full sun to light partial shade, preferring the latter during intense summer heat.
When does Thuja plicata ‘Virescens’ bloom?
This species is non-flowering, meaning it does not produce noticeable blooms, which is typical for most members of the Cupressaceae family.
Conclusion
The Thuja plicata ‘Virescens’ stands out as an exceptional upright evergreen, valuable for its reliable year-round color and narrow profile, making it an ideal screen plant. By respecting its need for moist, well-drained soil and noting its climatic limitations, gardeners can successfully integrate this version of the Western red cedar into their landscapes. Before planting, always confirm your local soil type and microclimate compatibility within USDA Zones 5-7.
Companion Planting
When selecting partners for Thuja plicata ‘Virescens’, focus on plants that share its preference for medium water needs and moist, well-drained conditions. Utilizing plants with contrasting leaf shapes, such as large-leafed Hostas or shade-tolerant Hydrangeas, enhances the fine texture of the cedar foliage. Since it appreciates some afternoon shade in hotter areas, pairing it beneath taller, light-canopied deciduous trees can provide necessary environmental buffering while maintaining screen coverage.
Consider groundcovers that can manage soil moisture near the base without restricting airflow around the trunk. Ferns like Japanese Painted Fern or low-growing evergreen Euonymus varieties work well to unify the planting area while complementing the dark green tone of the Thuja plicata ‘Virescens’ needles.
Design Ideas
For creating a formal element, plant these cedars equidistant along a property line to establish a dense, high hedge. Their narrow width allows for deep planting beds in front, filled with flowering perennials that offer seasonal color against the dark backdrop of the evergreen. Where space is extremely limited, a single specimen acts as a strong vertical accent near an entry point or at the corner of a structure.
The aromatic qualities of the foliage lend themselves well to sensory gardens. Place Thuja plicata ‘Virescens’] where passing traffic or slight breezes will gently agitate the branches, releasing its pleasant scent. Utilize its native association by integrating it with other Pacific Northwest natives, such as various rhododendrons or hemlocks, to replicate a lush, cool forest feel.
