Excelsa Western Red Cedar

Excelsa Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata 'Excelsa')

Excelsa Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata 'Excelsa') is a robust evergreen tree prized for its dense foliage, upright habit, and reliable performance as a privacy screen or windbreak. Also known as Excelsa Cedar, this selection of Western Red Cedar maintains a narrower profile than the species, making it well suited to space-conscious hedging and large-scale screening projects.

Distinctive Features

This fast-growing cultivar reaches 20 to 30 feet tall and 8 to 12 feet wide, forming a uniform pyramidal shape with dense, aromatic green sprays. The slightly drooping branch tips add softness while still maintaining a solid, formal outline. Its foliage stays vibrant green through winter, and its refined structure resists becoming overly broad or unruly with age.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Type: Moist, well-drained loam or sandy soils
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
• Water Needs: Moderate to high; appreciates deep watering during dry periods
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8

Ideal Uses

• Privacy Screens: Creates a tall, dense living barrier along property lines
• Windbreaks: Provides protection for farms, estates, or large gardens
• Background Plantings: Forms a lush evergreen backdrop in woodland settings
• Noise Buffers: Effective along roads or driveways for visual and sound screening
• Focal Points: Adds vertical structure to expansive mixed borders

Low Maintenance Care

Excelsa Western Red Cedar is low maintenance once established, requiring only occasional care to preserve its dense structure.

• Watering: Water deeply during the first few years and during prolonged dry spells
• Mulching: Apply mulch annually to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
• Pruning: Lightly prune if shaping or size control is desired
• Spacing: Allow adequate airflow to reduce disease risk
• Fertilizing: Apply a slow-release evergreen fertilizer in spring if growth is slow

Why Choose Excelsa Western Red Cedar?

Excelsa Western Red Cedar offers dense growth, refined structure, and four-season coverage, making it an excellent choice for functional and decorative plantings.

• Refined Form: Naturally narrow shape suited to hedges and borders
• Year-Round Color: Retains rich green foliage through winter
• Versatile: Works for formal sheared hedges or natural screens
• Low Maintenance: Requires minimal pruning and care
• High Performance: A dependable evergreen for privacy and wind protection

For long-lasting privacy, structure, and lush green color, Excelsa Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata 'Excelsa') is a proven and space-efficient evergreen choice for residential or commercial landscapes.