Thuja plicata 'Whipcord'

RHS Plant Profile
western red cedar 'Whipcord'
Award of Garden Merit
Conifers

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

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Foliage
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Cupressaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Spreading branched
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eatenskin 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