Thuja plicata Atrovirens - Western Red Cedar for hedging

The Thuja plicata 'Atrovirens' is one of the most commonly planted varieties of giant Californian Thuja for hedges in Europe. Perfectly hardy, it withstands repeated pruning and grows rapidly, allowing it to create dense, evergreen screens that are effective against both wind and for privacy. It is easy to cultivate in any deep, soil that does not dry out in summer. Depending on your budget, the length of your hedge, your patience, and the time you can dedicate to gardening, different types of products are available to you.

- For an economical Thuja hedge, opt for 9 cm (3.5 in) pots, which can be planted all year round. The soil preparation should be thorough (careful weeding, removal of all roots, planting trench), and it is advisable to lay a sheet at the base of the shrubs to limit the germination of weeds and the need for weeding, until they establish themselves. Once established, they grow rapidly and will quickly catch up with their counterparts grown in pots. This is the most economical solution when creating a hedge of at least 10 m (32.8 ft) in length.

- For a fast-growing Thuja hedge or to fill in an existing hedge, choose shrubs in 2, 4, 5, 7.5, or even 10-litre pots. Plants in pots can be planted all year round, except during frosty periods or heatwaves. They should be planted in individual planting holes, like any other shrubs in the garden. While they will have an immediate effect, they will take a little longer to "get going" and will require more frequent and regular watering, especially when it is dry in summer.

Respect the proper planting distance according to the size of your plant! Allow a space of 60 cm (23.6 in) between each plant for shrubs in pots, 70 to 80 cm (31.5 in) for plants in 2 or 3 litre pots, 80 cm (31.5 in) to 1 m (3.3 ft) for pots from 4 to 10 litres, and 1 m (3.3 ft) to 1.2 m (3.3 ft) for pots larger than 10 litres.

The Thuja plicata is also known as Giant Thuja or Western Red Cedar. It is an evergreen conifer from the cypress family native to the northwest of North America, particularly northern California. In its natural environment, this giant reaches a height of 50 to 60 m (196.9 ft) and can develop a trunk with a diameter of 3 m (9.8 ft) when it reaches the end of its life at the age of around 700 years. It has long been exploited for its soft and durable wood, known in Europe as 'Red Cedar'. This giant thrives in dense forests (California is not just an arid desert), but it also grows along riverbanks or in marshy forests. It is well-suited to shade, even dense shade, and thrives in humid conditions.

The 'Atrovirens' variety is distinguished by its smaller size, very compact growth, and particularly dense foliage. The tree has a regular pyramidal shape. Its growth is rapid, reaching a height of about 20 m (65.6 ft) and a spread of 7 m (23 ft) if not regularly pruned. In our gardens, planting it in a dense hedge and annual pruning keep it to more reasonable proportions, around 5 to 7 m (16.4 to 23 ft) in height and 1 m (3.3 ft) in spread. This conifer has flattened branches covered with scale-like leaves. The leaves are overlapping, giving the branches a flat appearance. The foliage is dark green and glossy throughout the year.

The 'Atrovirens' Thuja, with its easy cultivation, high tolerance for pruning, and dense growth, is a proven variety, prefering cool climates. It adapts to almost any conditions except dense shade and dry soils. Its density protects the garden all year round, and its dark form enhances any flower bed, particularly those with white blooms (mock oranges, serviceberries, 'Fairy Snow' rose...) and light (Salix cinerea, Salix exigua) or golden foliage (Ginkgo biloba fastigiata 'Blagon', Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Ivonne').