Thuja hedging plants
Thuja is a great choice for an evergreen conifer hedge, similar in appearance to Leylandii but not quite as fast growing. Also known as Western Red Cedar, Thuja conifers have flattened sprays of textured, glossy evergreen foliage with alternatively arranged branchlets, almost like miniature fans. They are robust, easy to grow and unfussy with a naturally pyramidal growth habit that’s well suited to creating a tapering hedge. Foliage gives off a wonderful, almost fruity aroma, when crushed or after it has rained and is tolerant of hard pruning, growing back reliably even if you cut into older wood. Red Cedars succeed in any soil from nutrient-poor chalky ground through to heavy clay, providing it is not excessively boggy or lies wet at any point in the year. They’ll create an excellent windbreak and screen, absorb and reduce noise levels from outside your garden, soak up vehicle exhaust fumes and prevent nosey neighbours or passers by from looking into your garden, all whilst providing a home and shelter for wildlife and nesting birds. Most thuja plants have a medium to fast growth rate, allowing for trimming just once a year, twice if you want a more formal appearance with very sharp lines.