Thuja plicata 'Whipcord'
western red cedar 'Whipcord'
A compact, slow-growing conifer forming a flattened mound when young but gradually acquiring a mophead shape, ultimately reaching a height and spread of 1.5m. The pendulous, long thin glossy tendrils bear small, scale-like, glossy green leaves pressed against the stems; the leaves often develop bronze shading in winter
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green Bronze |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Cupressaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten, skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Thuja are fast-growing evergreen trees of narrowly conical habit, with flat sprays of tiny, aromatic, scale-like leaves and small knobbly cones
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained soil in full sun with shelter from cold, drying winds. See conifer cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required; trim hedges in spring and late summer
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects and conifer aphid
Diseases
May be susceptible to diseases including honey fungus, Phytophthora root rot and thuja blight. See conifers: brown patches for further advice
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.