Thuja Hedging Information

Thuja or Western Red / White Cedar

I get asked this quite often what the differences are between the different types of Thujas as they are all fairly similar to the untrained eye however hopefully this guide below will help you identify which variety of Thuja you think would work best for your garden. This guide is not for all of the Thuja Varieties however it covers the main ones that we have in stock.

For an evergreen conifer hedge or large screen there is nothing better than a Thuja as they stand clipping very well and un-like leylandii can recover if you get a little ambitious with the cutter. When you brush the bright green foliage the scales release an enjoyable scent of spice. The bright green new growth turns darker with age and bronzes in winter. They thrive well in shade as well as sun. Thuja will grow about 45-60cm each year.

There are a few different Thuja options depending on the look you are after, however these are some of our most sold varieties: Thuja Emerald - this is an elegant form with tightly knit bright green foliage. Has a more defined shape

Thuja Brabant - light yellowish green foliage that takes a bronze tinge during the winter months.

Thuja Excelsior - has dark green shiny foliage, sometimes a bronze tinge again in winter.

Thuja Atrovirens - rich green foliage

All varieties grow at a similar speed and respond well to same aftercare

Clipping Thuja

Prune them once a year and then do a tidy up again later in the season to keep them looking smart. As they are easy to maintain it can be done with hedge cutters or shears. Generally trimming at the end of summer or at the beginning of spring.

Feeding Thuja's

Give them plenty of organic fertiliser in early spring to keep them looking lush. We usually recommend using something natural like a Chicken pellet manure or something similar as it works well on a variety of different plants.

If you are unsure please take a look on our plant food page on our website or call us 01565 722 766 to find out which feed works best for you.

Dislikes

They don't want to stand in water other than that they will grow anywhere and all soils. Virtually trouble free.

Thuja do not like the extremes, either too much water or too little is not good for the plants, so if your Thujas are starting to turn brown then the main problems generally are caused by lack of or too much water. The good news is that even if Thuja start to go brown then if you give them a trim then the dead foliage will regrow if cut back.

They are a great option for hedging, take a look on our website for our Thujas