Western red cedar (Thuja plicata 'Hogan')

Overview

Thuja plicata ‘Hogan’, a distinguished cultivar of Western red cedar, offers gardeners a dense, narrow, columnar silhouette ideal for restricted spaces. This evergreen maintains its appeal year-round with scale-like, aromatic foliage that emerges bright green and often shows touches of light yellow variegation. As a notable form of the Pacific Northwest native, the ‘Hogan’ cultivar provides screening ability without the massive footprint of the species form.

This selection is highly desirable for its structure and resistance to serious pest issues. Gardeners should note that while it offers year-round color, the foliage typically bronzes slightly during the winter months. Proper siting is crucial, as this specific Western red cedar prefers the cool, moist conditions reminiscent of its native habitat.

The Thuja plicata ‘Hogan’ cultivar matures into a striking vertical accent, making it invaluable for formal plantings or as a focal point. Its usefulness extends to creating structured screens, offering textural contrast against deciduous plants while requiring medium maintenance.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Cupressaceae
• Plant Type: Needled evergreen
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-7
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 15-40 ft
  • Spread: 8-20 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

Planting the Thuja plicata ‘Hogan’ is best conducted in the spring or fall when temperatures are moderate, ensuring the root ball establishes well before summer heat or winter cold arrives. This cultivar thrives best when provided with moist, fertile, well-drained soils. Full sun is ideal for the densest growth, although it appreciates some light afternoon shade, especially in hotter summer climates.

Watering should be consistent, meeting its medium water needs, particularly during the establishment phase. Thuja plicata ‘Hogan’ is intolerant of dry conditions, so monitor soil moisture carefully. While fertilizing is generally not required in rich native soils, a balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring can support growth in poorer garden soils.

Pruning is minimal, mostly limited to removing errant branches or lightly shaping the columnar form, though its natural habit is quite neat. Gardeners in regions with very hot, dry summers, such as the St. Louis area mentioned in cultivation notes, should exercise caution, as these environmental conditions may stress the Western red cedar and lead to struggle.

Landscape Uses

The narrow, columnar habit of the Thuja plicata ‘Hogan’ makes it an exceptional choice for vertical accents where space is limited. It excels when planted as a specimen, drawing the eye upward without consuming excessive horizontal space. This specific Western red cedar is particularly effective when utilized in small groups to create rhythmic, formal lines or anchor entryways.

Furthermore, its dense structure makes it a superb candidate for narrow screens or privacy hedges. Unlike broader arborvitae, the ‘Hogan’ cultivar maintains a tight profile, perfect for defining property lines along tight perimeters. It functions beautifully as an architectural element, providing year-round green structure in the garden, and is suitable for rain garden applications due to its preference for consistent moisture.

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.‘Hogan’ is a dense, narrow, columnar form of western red cedar. This cultivar grows naturally in a stand of trees along Hogan Road in Gresham, Oregon. The tree typically rises to 15-20’ tall, but may over time rise to as much as 40-50’ tall. Foliage is bright green tipped with light yellow variegation. Foliage usually bronzes in winter.

Tolerances

• Clay Soil
• Black Walnut

Potential Problems

This cultivar generally suffers from no serious insect or disease problems, offering a low-stress evergreen option. However, gardeners should remain observant for potential issues like bagworm infestations or various root and crown rots, which can occur when drainage is poor or overwatering happens. It is important to remember that Thuja plicata ‘Hogan’ may struggle in areas that experience climate extremes significantly different from its native cool, moist Pacific Northwest range, potentially leading to stress-related issues. Ensure excellent drainage to proactively manage the risk of rot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Western red cedar (Thuja plicata ‘Hogan’) suitable for?

The Thuja plicata ‘Hogan’ cultivar is generally hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 7. Always ensure your planting location falls within this range for the best long-term success.

How large does Thuja plicata ‘Hogan’ grow?

This narrow evergreen can reach heights between 15 and 40 feet, maintaining a relatively tidy spread of 8 to 20 feet wide.

What sun exposure does Thuja plicata ‘Hogan’ need?

This Western red cedar performs best with full sun exposure but will tolerate partial shade. Afternoon shade is actually beneficial in the hottest parts of its hardiness range.

When does Thuja plicata ‘Hogan’ bloom?

As a needled evergreen in the Cupressaceae family, Thuja plicata ‘Hogan’ is non-flowering and does not produce noticeable ornamental blooms.

Conclusion

The Thuja plicata ‘Hogan’ remains a valuable asset for adding strong, vertical punctuation to the landscape, providing excellent screening potential in a narrow footprint. Its attractive, aromatic foliage and adaptability to moist soils make this Western red cedar a versatile structural plant. Before planting, confirm that your site offers the consistent moisture and cooler summer temperatures that this dependable cultivar requires.

Companion Planting

Selecting companions for Thuja plicata ‘Hogan’ should focus on plants that share its preference for medium moisture and well-drained soil, while offering contrasting texture or color. Consider pairing this narrow evergreen with broadleaf shrubs like Rhododendrons or large Hydrangeas which appreciate similar soil conditions but offer a different seasonal show. Groundcovers that tolerate periodic shade, such as Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra), work well beneath the canopy to suppress weeds while keeping the root zone cool and moist.

Design Ideas

Due to its strong columnar shape, the ‘Hogan’ cultivar is perfect for formal landscape design where repetition is key. Plant them symmetrically flanking a doorway or along a walkway to create a grand, directional entrance, utilizing their 8-20 foot spread efficiently. For modern or minimalist gardens, several Thuja plicata ‘Hogan’ specimens clustered together can create a living architectural wall that intercepts views effectively without feeling heavy or overly dense.