How to Grow and Care for Western red cedar

Western red cedar, also known as Giant arborvitae, Pacific redcedar, Shinglewood, Canoe cedar, Giant cedar, Western cedar, Red cedar

Western red cedar is an evergreen conifer that thrives in moist, well-drained soil and requires full to partial sunlight for optimal growth. A key special care point is to ensure adequate space is provided to accommodate western red cedar's eventual large size. Regular watering is essential during dry periods, especially for young plants. Western red cedar has a relatively easy care profile, making it manageable for both novice and experienced gardeners.

Watering schedule: Every 1-2 weeks

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

In This Article

Planting and Growing Western red cedar

Toughness	High
Care Level	Low
Care Difficulty	Easy
Lifespan	Perennial
Watering Schedule	Every 1-2 weeks
Sunlight Requirements	Full sun
Soil Type	Garden Soil
Soil pH	5-7
Planting Time	Spring, Fall
Hardiness Zones	5-9

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Varieties of Western red cedar

Western red cedar 'Atrovirens'

Western red cedar 'Atrovirens' is a Western red cedar cultivar, noted for its slightly slower growth rate than its parent plant, as well as its more slender shape. The foliage of this cultivar is somewhat darker and glossier than other western red cedar 'Atrovirens' cultivars, hence the name ("atrovirens" translates as "very dark green").

Western red cedar 'Fluffy'

The western red cedar 'Fluffy' is a miniature of its parent, reaching only 1.5 to 3 m versus the37 to 46 m height of the standard western red cedar. With cheerful year-round golden-green foliage, these dwarf cedars have a pyramid shape with fluffy foliage. This tree-of-life is a low maintenance sun-lover, perfect for hedges and being surrounded by flowers to compliment its golden coloring.

Western red cedar 'Irish Gold'

Western red cedar 'Irish Gold' lives up to its name, since this cedar has striking golden-green foliage. This contrasts with the green leaves of the parent tree, which is also much bigger than this dwarf hybrid, towering up to ten times its 7 m height. This is a good hedging tree and thrives in most well-drained, damp soils.

Western red cedar '4ever'

Western red cedar '4ever' is a natural mutation of the Western cedar cultivar 'Martin'. It is distinguished by its narrow, pyramidal growth habit and brilliant, yellow-green foliage that becomes coppery-bronze in the fall. When the temperature goes up back in the spring, this evergreen conifer becomes greenish again.

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More General Info About Western red cedar

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Quickly Identify Western red cedar

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Western red cedar is a coniferous evergreen tree, distinguished by its narrow, pyramidal shape complemented by a prominent buttressed base. It typically reaches heights of 50 to 70 feet (15 to 21 meters). The foliage of western red cedar is notable for its unique, 'braided' arrangement, with leaves folded closely together in a flat, spray-like pattern which aids in its identification.