Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata 'Atrovirens') Hedge Plants Description
Thuja plicata 'Atrovirens' commonly known as Western Red Cedar, is a popular conifer alternative to Leylandii for hedging due to its slightly slower growth rate and ease of maintenance. It has vibrant mid to dark green foliage which is glossier than other conifers and is produced in attractive sprays. The leaves are also aromatic when crushed, giving off a sweetly fragrant scent.
Western Red Cedar is still considered fast-growing at 40/60cm per annum, but unlike Leylandii, can be cut back into old wood without risk of browning, making it much easier to maintain. As with other conifers, Thuja plicata 'Atrovirens' can also produce small cones, although it is the verdant, dense foliage for which it is most noted and favoured. It forms an excellent
evergreen screen for privacy but also affords protection from noise and wind. In addition, Thuja plicata 'Atrovirens' has been proven to be highly effective in absorbing pollution particles from passing traffic, making it an ideal hedge for use in heavily trafficked areas as well as suburban and country settings.
Western Red Cedar grows in sun or shade and in any well drained soil, see our entire
hedging plants for shade collection here. The tall stature and delightful green shades of Thuja plicata 'Atrovirens' make it the ideal background to smaller, colourful plants, enhancing their colours and making them stand out from their surroundings. See also our range of
hedging with colourful foliage.
Western Red Cedar is highly fragrant and is known to exhibit scents similar to pineapple. Crush the leaves of Thuja plicata 'Atrovirens' between your hands and enjoy the aromatic scent, as this process enhances its delightful aroma. If conifers aren't for you but fragrance is on your wish list, view our complete collection of Fragrant Hedging Plants.
In addition to Thuja plicata 'Atrovirens, we have a selection of other conifer hedging plants or alternatively you can view our fantastic range of evergreen hedging plants to find your ideal evergreen variety.
Premium Products - Minimum Order Quantity of 3
Premium products (indicated by a forklift icon and 'Premium Product' in the product table), require specialist delivery due to their size and weight. For these items a minimum order quantity of 3 applies.
*All premium products are excluded from any promotional discounts.
You’ll see our recommended planting densities for each size and root type listed next to the products below. We suggest that you use these as a guide, taking into consideration how long you’re willing to wait to see your finished hedge. As a rough indication bare roots can be planted at anything from 3 to 7 per metre and cell grown between 4 and 6 - the higher densities here would need to be planted in a double staggered row or zig-zag.
For more information on planting distances please see our
planting density advice section.. Prices shown are the price per plant unless otherwise stated.
General hedge trimming should be done twice a year, in Spring and again in early Autumn.
Free delivery is available on most orders (except Premium Products) providing they meet the minimum spend criteria for the size of box or pallet. Pallet deliveries and large box deliveries for tall plants are indicated by icons on the product table listings. Delivery costs and minimum order details for each packaging type are as follows:
| Packaging Type | Standard Delivery Charge | Minimum Order Values (incl VAT) for FREE Delivery |
|---|
| Standard Boxes (Bare roots up to 1.2m tall and pots up to and incl. 7.5L) | £7.99 delivery charge (orders up to £100 incl VAT) | Orders of £100 and over - FREE |
| Tall Boxes (Bare roots 1.2m and over) | £14.99 delivery charge (orders up to £100 incl VAT) | Orders of £100 and over - FREE |
| Pallets (Root balls, large pots (10L+), trees etc) | £60.00 delivery charge (orders up to £350 incl VAT) | Orders of £350 and over - FREE |
| Pleached Trees (Specialist Delivery) | £450.00 delivery charge (orders up to £1500 incl VAT) | Orders of £1500 and over - FREE |
There are some exceptions to the standard delivery pricing structure, which relate to deliveries to more remote areas, overseas, or extremely tall or large plants requiring specialist delivery - for more information see the Delivery Information Page. (Please note that due to new Brexit rules, we are currently unable to export to both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.).
Delivery Time - Please note that delivery times are currently 3-7 days excluding bank holidays. *Some troughs and trees may take up to 14 days delivery. We are working through existing orders as quickly as possible to deliver new orders within this timescale.
It's Convenient - no need to wait in all day to sign, we don't need a signature (the odd, larger order may require a signature but will be delivered at a mutually agreeable time).
It's Tried & Tested - we use only couriers who have shown consistency in their efficiency & care.
* Please note that delivery costs are based on the final order amount in your cart after any discounts have been applied.
Hedges Direct 12 Month Plant Guarantee
Our plants are guaranteed for 12 months after delivery subject to specific criteria. Visit our Hedges Direct Plant Guarantee Page for full details.
Nominated Day Delivery
Choose a delivery day that suits you with our new Nominated Day Delivery option at checkout. Whilst our standard no signature delivery means you don't need to take time away from other committments to receive your order, we understand that there are times our customers want to make sure they are present to accept delivery, either to plant straight away or to store somewhere safe and out of the way until you're ready to plant.
For an additional fee, you can make sure that your order arrives on the exact day you want it. Please note that this is additional charge to all qualifying orders, including those above the free delivery threshold for Standard Delivery.
Our Nominated Day Delivery is available year-round on the weekdays Tuesdays to Fridays, excluding the day after any bank holiday.
Some products are sent direct from our suppliers and as such are not available for Nominated Day Delivery. These include:- Cell Grown Hedging Plants- Instant Trough Grown Hedging Plants- Instant Hedging Screens- Premium Root Balls (250cm and above in height)- Turf
To book your Nominated Day Delivery for farther ahead than the 3 week window available online, please contact our Sales & Advice team to discuss your options.
