Thuja plicata atrovirens

‘Atrovirens’ is the classic hedging form of the western red cedar, and it’s hard to beat for a tall, fast evergreen screen. Flat sprays of tiny, aromatic, scale-like leaves hold a rich emerald-green all year, with no winter bronzing.

Growth rate is around 60cm a year on a good site, so you’ll get a usable hedge quickly. Left unclipped it keeps a narrow conical habit and can reach 30m in time, which is why most people use it as a clipped hedge at 2 to 4m.

Plant in full sun in moist, well-drained soil, sheltered from cold drying winds. Trim hedges in spring and again in late summer, and it’ll respond with dense fresh growth.

One of the best evergreen screening conifers we grow, and a firm favourite for garden boundaries.