Thuja plicata 'Northern Spire'
treeN. America Native

Western Redcedar

Thuja plicata 'Northern Spire'

$93.95
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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

300 inches

Width

72 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate to high

Humidity

Prefers high humidity

Lifespan

Long-lived evergreen tree

Native To

Pacific Northwest of North America

Toxicity

Foliage can be toxic if ingested in large quantities

The Story

Plant Bio

Thuja plicata is a large, majestic evergreen conifer native to the Pacific Northwest, featuring aromatic, scale-like foliage in flattened sprays and a conical habit. 'Northern Spire' is a cultivar selected for its narrow, fastigiate (columnar) growth habit. It maintains a tight, dense form, making it an excellent choice for privacy screens, hedges, or formal accents where space is limited.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental Uses'Northern Spire' provides a strong, formal, vertical element in the landscape. Its lush, deep green foliage has a fine texture and remains attractive year-round, creating a handsome, elegant column.
Practical UsesIts primary use is as a tall, narrow screen or hedge, perfect for creating privacy in tight side yards or along property lines. Because it maintains its narrow shape naturally, it requires very little pruning to stay in bounds.
Ecological BenefitsThe dense evergreen foliage provides excellent year-round cover, protection, and nesting sites for birds. It is also more deer-resistant than its cousin, Thuja occidentalis (Eastern Arborvitae).

Marketplace

Where to Buy

In Stock$93.95

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Planting

How to Grow

  1. Choose a site in full sun or part shade with moist, well-drained soil.
  2. Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball.
  3. Gently place the tree in the hole, ensuring it's straight.
  4. The top of the root ball should be level with the surrounding ground.
  5. Backfill with native soil and water deeply to settle.
  6. Keep consistently moist for the first year.

Pro Tip

Unlike many conifers, Thuja plicata tolerates moist to wet soils, making it a great screening choice for damp areas.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Provide consistent moisture, especially in hot, dry weather.
  • Mulch well to keep the root zone cool and moist.
  • Plant in a location with good air circulation.
  • Protect from drying winter winds in colder climates.

Don't

  • Do not allow the soil to dry out completely, especially when young.
  • Avoid planting in hot, dry, exposed sites, which can cause foliage burn.
  • Don't prune back beyond the green foliage into old wood.
  • Avoid piling mulch against the trunk.

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Mulch
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Tall, narrow privacy screen for tight spacesFormal vertical accent at corners or entrywaysLow-maintenance hedge requiring minimal pruning

Companion Plants

Hydrangea paniculata Cornus sericea Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus' Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' Carex oshimensis 'Evergold'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Western Redcedar questions

What zones can Western Redcedar grow in?

Western Redcedar is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Western Redcedar deer resistant?

Yes — Western Redcedar is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

Does Western Redcedar need full sun?

Western Redcedar does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Keep exploring

Grow Western Redcedar with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.

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