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Thuja plicata 'Aurea'

western red cedar 'Aurea'

A large, evergreen, narrowly-pyramidal tree reaching an ultimate height of up to 35m. Aromatic, glossy, scale-like, sharply-pointed golden-yellow leaves are held in large drooping sprays on spreading branches that curve upwards at the end. Cones are egg-shaped and around 1.3cm long

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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Yellow
Summer Yellow
Autumn Yellow
Winter Yellow
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

North–facing or West–facing or South–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Cupressaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Columnar upright
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
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Hedging and screens
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

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