Thuja plicata 'Atrovirens' (Western Red Cedar)
A fast-growing evergreen conifer and one of the best all-round hedging plants for Irish gardens. 'Atrovirens' holds a rich, glossy dark green colour year round, with soft, aromatic foliage that's pleasant to handle, unlike the prickly feel of many conifers.
It forms a dense, formal screen giving excellent privacy and shelter from wind, growing roughly 30 to 60cm a year once established. Unlike Leylandii, it takes hard clipping well and will regenerate from older wood, so it's far more forgiving if a hedge gets away from you.
- Height: usually kept at 2 to 4m, capable of much more if left
- Planting distance: 2 to 3 ft apart.
- Position: full sun to partial shade
- Soil: most soils, moist but well drained; dislikes waterlogging
- Trimming: once or twice a year, late spring and late summer
- Hardy and low maintenance, fine near the coast with shelter while young.
- Care
- Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season. A soaker hose is ideal for delivering slow, even moisture directly to the roots. Add mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and reduce weeds. Prune in late spring or summer to maintain the desired height and shape.