Pleached Western Red Cedar

Western Red Cedar is an evergreen conifer native to western North America, belonging to the Cupressaceae family. It produces dense, flattened sprays of aromatic scale-like foliage in a rich glossy green. Unlike many conifers, Thuja plicata tolerates shade well and responds positively to regular pruning, regenerating readily from old wood. It is fast-growing compared to species such as Yew, and is widely planted across the UK for hedging and screening. In its native Pacific Northwest habitat it can reach heights of 60 metres or more, but in cultivation and when trained it remains compact and manageable. The foliage releases a distinctive aromatic scent when crushed. Hardy throughout the UK, it thrives in moist, well-drained soil and is tolerant of a range of conditions including exposed and coastal sites.

Popular cultivars include Thuja plicata 'Martin' and Thuja plicata ‘Gelderland’, both selected for their dense habit and suitability for formal training. 'Martin' is noted for its compact growth and rich green foliage, making it well-suited to pleaching and screening. 'Gelderland' is a vigorous cultivar with a strong upright habit, producing thick, dense coverage ideal for creating structured evergreen screens.