Thuja plicata Excelsa - Western Red Cedar

Thuja plicata 'Excelsa' is one of the most planted varieties of Giant California Thuja in Europe. Perfectly hardy, very tolerant of repeated pruning and fast-growing in moist soil, this large conifer allows for the creation of large, dense evergreen screens that are effective against both wind and prying eyes. Its dark green glossy foliage, which is aromatic when broken, is adorned with fairly decorative green cones that turn brown when mature. It should be planted in a sunny position and can be grown without difficulty in any deep, not too dry soil in summer. 

Thuja plicata, also known as Western Redcedar or Lobb's Thuja, is an evergreen conifer of the cypress family native to the northwest of North America, particularly northern California. In its natural environment, this giant reaches heights of 50 to 60 metres (164 to 196 feet 11 inches) and can develop a trunk with a diameter of 3 metres (9 feet 10 inches) when it reaches the end of its existence at around 700 years old. It has long been exploited for its soft and durable wood, known in Europe as 'Red cedar'. This giant reigns in the thickness of lush forests (California is not just a arid desert), but also descends to the banks of rivers or colonizes swampy forests. It is a shade-tolerant species, even in dense shade, and thrives in humid conditions. Its scale-like foliage is the flattest in the genus.

The 'Excelsa' variety is very similar to the cultivar 'Atrovirens' but is distinguished by a broader and more conical habit with age and less dense and more spreading branching. Its growth is fast, so it will reach a height of about 12 metres (39 feet 5 inches) and a spread of 7 metres (23 feet) if not regularly pruned. In our gardens, planting it in a dense hedge and annual pruning help maintain it at more reasonable proportions, around 5 to 7 metres (16 feet 5 inches to 23 feet) in height and 1 metre (3 feet 4 inches) in spread. This conifer has flattened branches covered with scale-like leaves. The leaves, overlapping each other, give the branchlets a flat appearance. The foliage is aromatic and dark green throughout the year, slightly bronzing in winter. Its fruits, measuring 1.2cm (0.5 in), are green and turn brown in autumn.

The 'Excelsa' Thuja, with its ease of cultivation, high tolerance to pruning, and dense growth, is a variety that has proven itself, preferably in cool climates. It adapts to almost any condition except dense shade and dry soils. Its density protects the garden all year round, and its dark silhouette, highlights any flowerbed through chromatic contrast, especially white blooms (mock orange, serviceberries, 'Snow Fairy' rose...) and light-coloured foliage (Salix cinerea, Salix exigua) or golden foliage (Gingko biloba 'Blagon', Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Ivonne'). Like all evergreens in gardens, it brings color and liveliness in all seasons.