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Thuja plicata 'Excelsa' (Western Red Cedar) (2 Gallon) is a robust and attractive evergreen shrub known for its tall, pyramidal shape and rich green foliage. It is ideal for creating dense hedges, screens, and windbreaks due to its fast growth and impressive height.
Description:
- Dimensions: Grows to a height of 15-25 feet with a spread of 6-8 feet. Its broad, pyramidal shape makes it an excellent choice for creating large, dense screens and privacy barriers.
- Sun Exposure: Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Prefers 4-6 hours of sunlight daily but can tolerate shadier conditions.
- Water Requirements: Prefers well-drained soil and is moderately drought-tolerant once established. Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish roots, then reduce watering as needed. Avoid waterlogging.
- Hardiness Zones: Hardy in Zones 5-8.
- Bloom Time: Not typically grown for its flowers. The primary interest is in its evergreen foliage, which provides year-round color and structure. It does produce small, inconspicuous flowers and brown cones, but these are not the main feature.
- Pruning: Minimal pruning is needed for maintaining shape. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Light trimming can be done throughout the growing season to keep the shrub looking neat and to control size if needed.
How to Plant:
- Location: Ideal for large hedges, screens, and windbreaks. Suitable for garden beds, borders, and as a backdrop in landscaping.
- Soil Preparation: Use well-draining soil. Amend with compost if necessary to improve soil fertility and drainage.
- Planting: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
- Spacing: Space plants 6-8 feet apart to create a dense hedge or screen, allowing for their mature size and spread.
- Watering: Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent moisture during the first growing season. Once established, water as needed, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Fun Fact: Thuja plicata 'Excelsa' is valued for its impressive size and dense foliage, which provides excellent screening and privacy. The Western Red Cedar is often used in large landscapes and commercial settings due to its rapid growth and robust nature. Its durable foliage and strong structure make it a reliable choice for creating natural barriers and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of outdoor spaces.