Fastigiata Western Red Cedar

Fastigiata Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata 'Fastigiata') is a tall, slender, fast-growing conifer with a neat conical shape and aromatic, deep green foliage. It reaches 10m to 12m but only 1.5m to 2.5m wide, so it fits where a broad tree will not. It is a mild-climate tree from the Pacific north-west of North America and it wants regular water.

Why you'll love it

• Narrow and upright. 'Fastigiata' means growing upright and parallel, so this form is slimmer than the usual western red cedar.
• Scented, ferny foliage. Dense overlapping foliage looks plaited up close and releases a pleasant aroma when brushed.
• Bushy to the ground. It holds its foliage right down to the base, which makes a genuine screen rather than a row of bare trunks.
• Cold hardy and long lived. It is frost hardy, and individual trees of the species can live for more than a thousand years.
• Takes pruning. Unlike most conifers, thuja can be pruned, so it can be shaped if you need to.

Where it works best

Narrow screening. Plant 1.5m apart in a single row for a tall, dense screen that takes up little width.

Windbreaks. The dense foliage from the ground up filters wind well, especially in cooler, wetter gardens.

Feature planting. A single tree makes a strong vertical accent at a gate, a corner or the end of a view.

Large pots. While young it can live in a large container, and it doubles as a living Christmas tree.

Growing Fastigiata Western Red Cedar in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to shade, with regular rain or watering. It suits cool temperate gardens best, and it is worth trying in warm temperate gardens where moisture is reliable. In Australia it is rarely found north of Sydney, so its tolerance of heat and humidity is untested, and we would not plant it in the tropics.

Soil. It tolerates most soil types, even wet soils. Moist soil rich in organic matter suits it best.

Water and feed. Mulch and water well, especially during dry periods, because it does not like drought. Keep the roots mulched and moist through summer.

Pruning. Pruning is seldom needed beyond ornamental shaping. The foliage is aromatic and not for eating, so keep clippings away from pets and livestock.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Fastigiata Western Red Cedar as tube stock and in single 300mm pots. Tube stock is a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly and is the economical way to plant a long screen. The 300mm plant is taller and gives a boundary a head start. This is a long-term tree, so plant it where 10m of height will suit.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse our conifer range
• Tall and narrow screening plants
• Plants for windbreaks
• How to grow and care for conifers

Common questions

How wide does it get?

Only 1.5m to 2.5m, even though it reaches 10m to 12m tall. That narrow, conical shape is the point of the 'Fastigiata' form.

Will it grow in a hot, dry garden?

Probably not well. It likes regular rain or watering and does not like drought, and its tolerance of heat and humidity in Australia is untested, so it is best in mild, moist climates.

Can I keep it in a pot?

Yes, while it is young. A large container and regular watering work well, and many people use it as a living Christmas tree before planting it out.