Thuja plicata 'Atrovirens' – Green Giant Thuja Hedging
Thuja plicata 'Atrovirens', commonly known as the Green Giant Thuja or Western Red Cedar, is an evergreen conifer that is highly valued for its fast-growing nature, dense foliage, and impressive height. This versatile and hardy tree is an ideal choice for creating a tall, dense, and attractive hedge or privacy screen. Thuja plicata 'Atrovirens' thrives in a variety of climates and soil types, making it a popular option for gardeners looking to establish a robust, low-maintenance hedge with year-round appeal.
Why Grow Thuja plicata 'Atrovirens' – Green Giant Thuja Hedging?
Fast-Growing – Known for its rapid growth, Green Giant Thuja establishes a thick, dense hedge in a relatively short time. It's one of the fastest-growing conifers, making it an excellent choice for quickly achieving privacy or windbreaks.
Evergreen Foliage – With its rich, deep green, dense foliage, Green Giant Thuja provides year-round privacy and a lush backdrop for your garden. Its evergreen leaves ensure that your hedge maintains its visual appeal throughout all seasons.
Low Maintenance – Once established, this hardy plant requires minimal care. It only needs occasional pruning to maintain its desired shape and height. The tree is naturally pest-resistant and can tolerate various environmental conditions.
Resistant to Pests and Diseases – Thuja plicata 'Atrovirens' is generally free from major pest and disease problems, making it a reliable and long-lasting option for hedging.
Height of Plant
Thuja plicata 'Atrovirens' can grow up to 5-7 meters (16-23 feet) tall, making it perfect for creating tall privacy screens, windbreaks, or large boundary hedges. It can be trimmed and maintained at a shorter height for smaller spaces or more structured hedges.
Where to Site Your Thuja plicata 'Atrovirens' – Green Giant Thuja Hedging
Green Giant Thuja is highly adaptable and can thrive in various garden settings:
Privacy Screens and Windbreaks – Its fast-growing nature and dense foliage make it an excellent choice for creating tall, effective privacy screens or windbreaks, providing shelter from the elements and ensuring year-round privacy.
Formal Garden Borders – The tree’s natural pyramidal shape and rich green foliage make it a great option for formal garden borders, creating crisp, neat lines and providing structure to any landscape.
Woodland Edges or Shaded Areas – Green Giant Thuja is tolerant of partial shade and works well in areas with some shade or woodland edges, providing a lush green backdrop for other plants.
Urban Gardens – It is tolerant of urban conditions, including pollution, making it a good choice for city gardens, streetside hedges, or even along noisy roadways to reduce sound and traffic exposure.
How to Grow and Care for Your Thuja plicata 'Atrovirens' – Green Giant Thuja Hedging
Soil – Thrives in well-drained, fertile soil but can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils. Prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH.
Light – Grows best in full sun but will also tolerate partial shade. The more sunlight it receives, the denser and healthier the foliage will be.
Watering – Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells. Once established, Green Giant Thuja is quite drought-tolerant. However, regular watering will promote faster growth and a healthier hedge.
Maintenance:
Pruning – While it requires little pruning, Thuja plicata 'Atrovirens' benefits from occasional trimming to maintain shape and control its height. Prune in early spring or late winter before new growth begins to encourage fresh, healthy growth.
Mulching – Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature, particularly during the first few years while the plant is becoming established.
Pest & Disease Resistance – Generally resistant to common pests and diseases, Thuja plicata 'Atrovirens' is not often affected by issues like aphids, spider mites, or fungal diseases. However, proper care and good air circulation are important for preventing any potential issues.
Perfect Plant Combinations
Green Giant Thuja works well with a variety of other evergreen or deciduous plants, ornamental grasses, or flowering shrubs. Pair it with colorful perennials or seasonal blooms to add variety and contrast. Its dense foliage also acts as a perfect backdrop for shrubs like viburnums, hydrangeas, or flowering dogwood, creating a balanced and layered look in the garden.
With its fast-growing nature, evergreen beauty, and minimal care needs, Thuja plicata 'Atrovirens' ‘Green Giant Thuja Hedging’ is an excellent choice for those looking to add both privacy and structure to their landscape. Whether for windbreaks, tall hedges, or garden borders, it is a resilient and attractive addition to any garden.
