Western red cedar (Thuja plicata 'Whipcord')
Discover Thuja plicata 'Whipcord', a slow-growing dwarf Western red cedar featuring unique pendulous foliage perfect for specimen planting.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Thuja plicata ‘Whipcord’, a distinctive cultivar of the Western red cedar, offers unparalleled textural interest for the evergreen landscape. This slow-growing dwarf form transforms the imposing stature of its parent species into a manageable, shrubby specimen noted for its unique, drooping, whipcord-like green foliage. Gardeners prize this conifer for its texture, which catches light beautifully and provides year-round structure.
Native to the moist forests of the Pacific Northwest, this Western red cedar cultivar thrives best where consistent moisture and cooler summers prevail. It requires medium water inputs and appreciates fertile, well-drained conditions to maintain its health and dark green coloring. While it can take full sun, a spot offering light afternoon shade is often beneficial, especially in hotter climates.
The unique architectural habit of Thuja plicata ‘Whipcord’ makes it an excellent focal point plant or accent piece in smaller garden spaces. Its low-maintenance nature and striking visual appeal solidify its place as a valuable addition for gardeners seeking year-round drama without excessive pruning demands.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Cupressaceae
- Plant Type: Needled evergreen
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-7
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 4-5 ft
- Spread: 4-5 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
Ideally, plant Thuja plicata ‘Whipcord’ in the spring or fall when soils are workable, allowing the roots time to establish before temperature extremes. Select a location providing moist, fertile, and well-drained soil, as this Western red cedar is intolerant of dry periods. While full sun promotes the densest growth, afternoon shade is recommended if you garden in particularly hot summer regions.
Watering requirements are medium; ensure the soil remains consistently moist, especially during the establishment phase. Deep, infrequent watering encourages deep root growth. Be mindful that this species generally struggles where environmental conditions differ significantly from its native cool, moist habitats, so regular moisture is crucial during summer drought periods.
Maintenance for this dwarf conifer is naturally low due to its slow growth rate and compact form. Pruning is rarely needed, though minor shaping can be done lightly, if desired, immediately following the spring growth flush. Notice that the glossy green foliage may take on bronze tones as winter approaches, adding seasonal interest.
Landscape Uses
Thuja plicata ‘Whipcord’ shines when used as a specimen plant where its unique texture can be fully appreciated. Its rounded, weeping form makes it an exceptional focal point in rock gardens or incorporated into specialized collections of unusual conifers. Owing to its moisture needs, it is perfectly suited for rain garden designs, helping manage runoff while providing structure.
For foundation plantings, this dwarf Western red cedar offers a soft, flowing alternative to boxwood or upright juniper, providing textural contrast near hardscaping elements. Because it rarely exceeds five feet in height and spread, it integrates well into mixed borders without overpowering surrounding perennials or shrubs. Pairing it with fine-textured grasses or broadleaf evergreens emphasizes its unique cord-like foliage.
Standout Features
Noteworthy Characteristics
The parent species, Thuja plicata, is the largest tree in the cypress family, native to the Pacific Northwest forests. The ‘Whipcord’ cultivar, however, is a shrubby, slow-growing dwarf form characterized by pendulous, whipcord-like green foliage that arches downward gracefully. This cultivar typically forms a flattened mound when young, maturing into a rounded shrub up to five feet tall and wide, often acquiring pleasing bronze tones in winter.
Tolerances
- Clay Soil
- Black Walnut
Potential Problems
Thuja plicata ‘Whipcord’ is generally resistant to serious pest or disease issues when sited correctly. The primary concern revolves around horticultural stress, particularly drought or poorly draining soil, which can stress the plant considerably. If conditions are too dry, the foliage can show browning or dieback.
Fungal issues such as rots might develop if the soil remains waterlogged for extended periods, emphasizing the need for good drainage even in rain garden settings. Occasionally, bagworms may appear, requiring manual removal or targeted insecticidal treatment if infestation is severe. Gardeners must remember that environmental mismatch, such as high heat or intense dryness common in some regions, can lead to struggling plants despite good care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Western red cedar ‘Whipcord’ suitable for?
This slow-growing dwarf conifer is suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 7.
How large does Thuja plicata ‘Whipcord’ grow?
At maturity, Thuja plicata ‘Whipcord’ typically reaches a height between 4 and 5 feet, with a spread ranging from 4 to 5 feet.
What sun exposure does Thuja plicata ‘Whipcord’ need?
This superb accent plant prefers full sun to part shade conditions for optimal coloration and growth habit.
When does Western red cedar ‘Whipcord’ bloom?
As a conifer in the Cupressaceae family, Thuja plicata ‘Whipcord’ is non-flowering.
Conclusion
The Thuja plicata ‘Whipcord’ offers exceptional textural contrast and year-round evergreen beauty, making it a highly valuable specimen for contemporary and traditional landscapes alike. This unique version of the Western red cedar proves that magnificent texture doesn’t require immense size. Plan your planting for early spring or fall, ensuring you meet its requirements for medium, consistent moisture to enjoy this landscape gem for years to come.
Design Ideas
When incorporating Thuja plicata ‘Whipcord’ into your design, focus on the contrast its fine, weeping texture provides against coarser or broader foliage. Consider placing it near structural elements like foundational walls or large boulders in a rock garden setting. Its unique weeping habit also makes it an excellent choice for elevated planters or slightly raised beds where drainage is guaranteed.
For a visually dynamic effect, plant several specimens in an odd-numbered grouping. The movement implied by the drooping cords of the Western red cedar pairs beautifully with the linear forms of ornamental grasses, such as Blue Fescue or Feather Reed Grass. This combination creates high textural energy that shifts as the seasons change.
Companion Planting
Because Thuja plicata ‘Whipcord’ demands consistent moisture, excellent companion plants are those that share a preference for medium water needs and well-drained soil. Dwarf conifers with contrasting shapes, such as Japanese Maples with fine-cut leaves (if climate permits) or globe-shaped Boxwoods, work well for color and habit variation.
In a rain garden setting, pair this shrub with moisture-loving perennials like Astilbe, Hosta varieties with blue or chartreuse foliage, or Iris species that tolerate temporary wet feet. Avoid pairing the Thuja plicata ‘Whipcord’ with drought-tolerant Mediterranean herbs or succulents, as the water needs will conflict, leading to stress for one or the other.
