Thuja occidentalis 'Degroot's Spire'

RHS Plant Profile
white cedar 'Degroot's Spire'
Conifers

A compact, slow-growing conifer forming a narrow column up to 9m tall with twisted sprays of scale-like green foliage that may be tinged purple in winter; leaves have a fruity fragrance when crushed

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

8-12 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
8-12 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

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
Columnar upright
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 a moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Protect from drying winds, especially when young

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Hedging and screens

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids and scale insects

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus and other fungal diseases, particularly thuja blight and Coryneum canker (see conifers: brown patches)