Western Red Cedar: The Perfect Evergreen Hedge Plant

For homeowners seeking privacy, beauty, and easy care all in one package, western red cedar hedge plants are an ideal choice. This graceful evergreen conifer makes a striking living fence or boundary hedge. Western red cedar offers year-round greenery, natural pest resistance, and adaptable growing habits. Read on to learn why this aromatic native tree is the premier hedge plant for gardens across many regions.

Overview of Western Red Cedar

With the botanical name Thuja plicata, western red cedar is a tall conifer species native to the Pacific Northwest of North America. It’s a member of the cypress family and can reach towering heights over 200 feet in its natural forest habitat. When crushed, the foliage gives off a sweet, pleasing aroma.

For hedging use, a dwarf cultivar called Thuja plicata ‘Virescens’ is typically grown. This compact selection reaches around 15 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide once mature. It has dense horizontal branching dotted with flattened sprays of scale-like deep green leaves. Small brown cones emerge in summer. The foliage stays evergreen throughout winter.

Benefits of Western Red Cedar Hedge Plants

There are many excellent reasons to choose western red cedar plants when installing a new evergreen hedge:

• Provides year-round privacy and seclusion with dense foliage.
• Naturally narrow, upright habit requires minimal trimming and shaping.
• Grows at a relatively fast rate of up to 2 feet annually when young.
• Lush green appearance retained even in cold weather.
• Tolerates frequent pruning well to maintain a controlled size.
• Boasts rich green color and soft, graceful texture.
• Gives an elegant, upscale look compared to basic arborvitae hedging.
• Aromatic leaves and stems naturally resist deer and rabbits.
• Thrives in USDA zones 5-9 across a wide geographical range.
• Offers shelter, nesting sites, and food for birds and pollinators.
• Avoid pest and disease problems that affect many hedge plants.

With this impressive list of merits it’s easy to see why western red cedar is a hedge planting superstar.

Growing and Caring for Western Red Cedar

Succeeding with western red cedar hedge plants starts with proper planting and care:

• Choose a spot with full sun to part shade exposure. Well-drained, fertile soil amended with compost is ideal.
• Space young plants 2-3 feet apart in the hedge bed for quick fill-in growth.
• Water new plants regularly for the first two years until their root systems establish.
• Apply 2-4 inches of organic mulch around plants to conserve moisture and reduce weeds.
• Fertilize in early spring using a slow-release, balanced formula to support growth.
• Prune as needed to shape and densify the hedge, taking care not to cut into old wood.
• Trim back protruding branches and top growth before the new spring growth cycle.
• Allow sufficient space between the hedge and any structures, walkways, or driveways.

With proper care, western red cedar will quickly grow into a gorgeously uniform, dense privacy hedge.

Sourcing Top-Quality Hedging Plants

When selecting western red cedar hedge plants for purchase, look for:

• Healthy green foliage, free of yellowing, browning, or defoliation.
• Well-established and expansive root systems. Avoid tiny underdeveloped plants.
• Good dense branching structure from top to bottom of the plant.
• Consistent shape and size across all provided plants.
• Local sourcing from growers within your USDA hardiness zone.
• Clear tagging and labeling with the exact botanical name.
• High-quality #1 grade plants from reputable certified nurseries.
• Availability of pre-finished hedge units for simpler planting.

Reputable sellers offering vigorous, healthy plants will give your hedge the best start.

Alternatives to Western Red Cedar

For those seeking alternatives, some other great evergreen hedge plants include:

• Green Giant Arborvitae – Extremely fast growing and deer resistant.
• Emerald Green Arborvitae – Budget-friendly and bright green in color.
• Leyland Cypress – Fast growing soft texture for warmer winter climates.
• American Arborvitae – Low maintenance with softer foliage.
• Portuguese Laurel – Excellent for mild zones. Thick and evergreen.
• European Hornbeam – Stunning deciduous choice with orange fall foliage.

But for the perfect combo of elegance, practicality and rich green beauty, western red cedar remains hard to beat as the ideal hedge plant for privacy and grace.

Add Sophistication with Western Red Cedar Hedges

With its towering mature height, lush greenery, and gracefully narrow profile, western red cedar instantly creates a refined, upscale hedge. It provides total seclusion while screening unpleasant sights or noises year-round. The aromatic foliage deters deer and rabbits from feasting. This versatile evergreen thrives with minimal care across diverse regions. For homeowners seeking the perfect living fence to define boundaries with style, western red cedar hedge plants are an unparalleled choice.

For a Western Red Cedar hedge, a spacing of 2-3 feet (60-90cm) apart is generally recommended.