Western Red Cedar, Whipcord Thuja plicata 'Whipcord' Height: 4 feet Spread: 4 feet
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Hardiness Zone: 4b Other Names: Arborvitae Description: A real gem of an evergreen shrub, forming a compact mound; features long green foliage that archs downward like hanging cords; ideal for use as an interesting detail accent in the shrub or rock garden; performs best in moist locations Ornamental Features Western Red Cedar, Whipcord is a dwarf conifer which is primarily valued in the landscape or garden for its cascading habit of growth. It has rich green evergreen foliage. The scale-like sprays of foliage turn an outstanding coppery-bronze in the fall, which persists throughout the winter. However, the fruit can be messy in the landscape and may require occasional clean-up. Landscape Attributes Western Red Cedar, Whipcord is a dense multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a shapely form and gracefully arching branches. It lends an extremely fine and delicate texture to the landscape composition which can make it a great accent feature on this basis alone. This is a relatively low maintenance shrub. When pruning is necessary, it is recommended to only trim back the new growth of the current season, other than to remove any dieback. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics. Western Red Cedar, Whipcord is recommended for the following landscape applications; Planting & Growing Western Red Cedar, Whipcord will grow to be about 4 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 4 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 50 years or more. This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. This plant should be periodically fertilized throughout the active growing season with a specially-formulated acidic fertilizer. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. This is a selection of a native North American species, and parts of it are known to be toxic to humans and animals, so care should be exercised in planting it around children and pets. Special Attributes These evergreens do shed inside foliage in the autumn or spring. Thuja have small seeds generally not much to clean up. The tree is classified as toxic animals.
