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Thuja plicata ‘Excelsa’

Welcome to the refined elegance of Thuja occidentalis 'Excelsa', a cultivar held in high esteem for its stately appearance and lush foliage. Known colloquially as the white cedar, this majestic conifer offers a dense, pyramidal form that serves as an excellent choice for privacy hedges or as a distinguished standalone specimen. Esteemed for its vibrant green, scale-like leaves, the 'Excelsa' cultivar is a living sculpture that graces landscapes with its timeless beauty, even though it does not produce flowers. At Heijnen Plants, we are proud to cultivate this variety with the utmost care, ensuring that it will enhance your garden with its serene and noble presence.

Winter hardiness
Very winter hardy

Pruning
Twice a year

Growth rate
30-50 cm per year

Visual barrier
Quickly obscuring

Position
Shade, partial shade, sun

Maintenance
Low maintenance

50+ £14.60

100+ £14.20

200+ £13.80

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
60-80

Number of plants per linear meter
3

16.90

15.35

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

50+ £15.60

100+ £15.20

200+ £14.80

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
80-100

Number of plants per linear meter
3

18.08

16.45

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

50+ £19.00

100+ £18.50

200+ £18.00

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
100-125

Number of plants per linear meter
2,5

22.00

20.00

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

25+ £28.90

50+ £28.15

100+ £27.35

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
125-150

Number of plants per linear meter
2,5

33.46

30.40

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

25+ £42.60

50+ £41.45

100+ £40.35

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
150-175

Number of plants per linear meter
2

49.32

44.85

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

25+ £54.65

50+ £53.20

100+ £51.80

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
175-200

Number of plants per linear meter
2

63.29

57.55

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

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Buy thuja plicata ‘Excelsa’

Thuja occidentalis 'Excelsa', commonly known as white cedar, is an excellent choice for those seeking a robust and elegant hedge. As a cultivar of the white cedar family, it does not flower, but its lush green foliage and symmetrical growth habit more than compensate, providing a visually appealing barrier year-round.

The 'Excelsa' variety is synonymous with resilience and adaptability, thriving in a wide range of soil types provided they are well-drained. Its versatility extends to its ability to flourish in various lighting conditions, from full sun to shade.

Key Features

Thuja occidentalis 'Excelsa' offers a quickly obscuring visual density, making it an ideal choice for privacy hedges.
The plant boasts a vigorous growth rate of 30 to 50 cm annually, allowing for rapid establishment and filling in of spaces.
With winter hardiness down to -23.3°C, USDA zone 6a, it stands resilient against harsh winter conditions.
Its maintenance is straightforward, requiring pruning only twice per year to maintain its shape and density.
As a solitary plant, the 'Excelsa' makes a stately and low-maintenance addition to the landscape, offering structure and year-round greenery.

Tips

When planting Thuja occidentalis 'Excelsa', space individuals adequately to ensure each plant has enough room to establish its root ball and thrive.
While regular watering is essential, especially during dry spells, ensure that the soil provides adequate drainage to prevent waterlogged conditions.
To enhance the plant's health and appearance, apply a balanced fertilizer in the early spring, which will support new growth and the overall vitality of the hedge.
Although the 'Excelsa' is hardy, providing a layer of mulch around the base can help retain soil moisture and protect the roots during extreme temperature fluctuations.

Ideal placement of a Thuja plicata 'Excelsa'

The adaptable nature of > Thuja plicata 'Excelsa' allows it to flourish in a variety of lighting conditions, from full sun to partial shade, and even in shaded areas. While it is capable of growing in all soil types, ensuring the soil is well-drained will optimize its health and growth. To achieve the best visual density and benefit from its quick growth rate, it is advisable to plant this species in a location that receives ample sunlight. The robustness of Thuja 'Excelsa' is evident in its winter hardiness, making it suitable for USDA zone 6a environments.

Planting a Thuja plicata 'Excelsa'

Planting Thuja occidentalis 'Excelsa' requires selecting a location that can range from full shade to full sun, accommodating its versatility. The soil should be well-drained to support its growth. When planting this hedge variety, ensure that the root ball is sufficiently moistened before placing it in the ground. Space the plants adequately to allow for their rapid growth rate, which can reach 30-50 cm annually. For maximum visual density and a healthy hedge, plant multiple specimens in a row, adjusting the spacing according to the desired thickness and privacy level.

Pruning a Thuja plicata 'Excelsa'

Prune Thuja occidentalis 'Excelsa' twice a year to maintain its desired shape and promote a dense growth habit. The best times for pruning are in the spring, after the last frost, and in the late summer, avoiding the hottest days to prevent stress on the plant. Regular trimming not only enhances the visual density of the hedge but also ensures that it remains healthy and vibrant. Given its impressive winter hardiness, down to USDA zone 6a, this species can withstand significant cold without special care post-pruning.

Watering a Thuja plicata 'Excelsa'

To ensure the health and vigor of Thuja occidentalis 'Excelsa', proper hydration is essential. Newly established hedges require regular irrigation to assist the root ball in acclimatizing and expanding into the surrounding soil. Once established, the species is relatively drought-tolerant, but during prolonged dry spells or in particularly hot climates, supplemental watering maintains its lush greenery. Watering should be thorough, allowing moisture to penetrate deeply, which encourages robust root growth. Over-watering must be avoided, as this cultivar thrives in well-drained conditions, preventing potential root issues.

Fertilising a Thuja plicata 'Excelsa'

To support the robust growth and enhance the lush greenery of Thuja 'Excelsa', fertilizing is an essential aspect of its care. An optimal fertilizing schedule involves applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring, just before the onset of the growth period. This initial application should be complemented with a second feeding in mid-autumn to prepare the hedge for the winter months.

It's important to select a fertilizer that is formulated for evergreens to ensure the correct balance of nutrients that promote healthy foliage and root development. When applying, distribute the fertilizer evenly around the base of each plant, avoiding direct contact with the foliage to prevent burn. Water the area well after application to help the nutrients penetrate the soil.

The characteristics of a Thuja plicata 'Excelsa'

The Thuja occidentalis 'Excelsa' is renowned for its robust growth and dense foliage, making it an excellent choice for privacy screens and hedges. Its root ball ensures a strong foundation, allowing for successful transplantation with minimal stress to the plant. This species is also noted for its aromatic leaves, which release a pleasant fragrance when brushed against, adding a sensory appeal to any garden space. Furthermore, it adapts well to shaping, allowing gardeners to maintain a neat, formal appearance with ease.

The ideal variety for you Buy thuja plicata ‘Excelsa’

Embrace the elegance of Thuja occidentalis 'Excelsa' as the perfect addition to your landscape. This splendid plant offers a stately presence, with its vibrant green foliage providing a lush, year-round aesthetic. Its upright growth habit ensures a graceful silhouette that enhances any garden with its natural charm.

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