Description
Thuja plicata 'Whipcord' shrub 20-25 cm C3 | Whipcord western red cedar
The Whipcord western red cedar shrub is a compact, rounded form of Thuja plicata 'Whipcord', with distinctive thread-like branches that cascade to shape its unusual silhouette. This is the shrub form, rather than another possible product form of the cultivar. Its foliage is green and evergreen, turning bronze in winter. At an average mature height of about 150 cm, it gives a garden a clear focal point without the upright outline associated with a tree form. The branches are the main feature: their fine, hanging appearance makes the rounded shape easy to recognise. Whipcord western red cedar can be considered as a specimen for a pot, rock garden or border, where its compact outline can stand apart from nearby planting. It is a member of the thuja genus. The cultivar name is 'Whipcord'. Its foliage changes colour with the season, while the shrub keeps its evergreen presence through the year. This combination of a compact habit and cascading branches makes the product form distinct from other forms of western red cedar.
Key features of the Whipcord western red cedar shrub (Thuja plicata 'Whipcord')
- Shape and size: This shrub has a compact, rounded habit, with thread-like, cascading branches. It reaches an average mature height of about 150 cm; no mature width is specified.
- Foliage: The evergreen foliage is green and turns bronze in winter. The fine, overhanging branches give the shrub its distinctive outline without forming a dense, upright shape.
- Position: Choose a place in sun or partial shade. These options suit a range of garden settings, including a pot, rock garden or border, where the shrub can be seen as an accent.
- Soil: It prefers humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil. Good drainage is important, while the soil should retain some moisture rather than becoming dry.
- Growth: Whipcord is slow-growing. As an evergreen conifer shrub, it keeps its foliage through the year, with a bronze winter colour adding seasonal variation.
Uses of the Whipcord western red cedar shrub in the garden
- In a pot: The compact, rounded shrub can act as a specimen in a pot. Its cascading branches make the outline visible from different angles and give the planting a clear focal point.
- In a rock garden or border: Use the shrub as an individual accent among other planting. Its distinctive shape can provide contrast, while its mature height of about 150 cm gives a sense of scale without requiring an assumed width.
- Winter hardiness: The plant is listed for USDA zone 5, with a stated temperature range of about -23.3°C to -28.9°C. This is a guide to its listed hardiness; it does not specify conditions in every garden.
- Seasonal interest: Green evergreen foliage keeps the shrub present throughout the year and turns bronze in winter. The thread-like, hanging branches remain the key feature of its rounded silhouette.
- Planting with other plants: It can be combined with other planting in a border. No particular plant partners are specified, so choose companions to suit the overall garden design.
For a compact evergreen accent with a rounded form and cascading branches, this shrub can be considered for a pot, rock garden or border.
