Steeplechase Western Red Cedar

Steeplechase Western Red Cedar (Thuja standishii x plicata 'Steeplechase')

Steeplechase Western Red Cedar (Thuja standishii x plicata 'Steeplechase') is a dense, fast-growing evergreen prized for its lush green foliage, refined texture, and superior privacy performance compared to traditional Green Giant types. Also called Steeplechase Arborvitae, this hybrid combines vigorous growth with a more elegant, tailored look, making it ideal for large-scale screens and formal plantings.

Distinctive Features

This vigorous hybrid typically reaches 25 to 30 feet tall and 6 to 10 feet wide, forming a strong pyramidal shape with layered, tightly packed foliage. Its dense branching creates a solid, uniform wall of green that remains vibrant throughout winter. Compared to Green Giant, Steeplechase grows slightly slower but produces thicker coverage, providing a more polished appearance while still offering rapid growth.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Type: Moist, well-drained loam or sandy soil
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
• Water Needs: Moderate; water deeply during extended dry periods
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8

Ideal Uses

• Privacy Screen: Forms a dense living fence for year-round screening
• Windbreak: Provides shelter and structure for large properties or estates
• Focal Point: Adds height and evergreen texture to expansive landscapes
• Background Planting: Creates a green backdrop for borders and flowering beds
• Large Hedge: Ideal for structured evergreen boundaries in formal designs

Low Maintenance Care

Steeplechase Western Red Cedar grows quickly with minimal care once established, making it a dependable choice for low-maintenance landscapes.

• Watering: Provide consistent water during the establishment phase
• Pruning: Lightly prune to maintain desired size or shape
• Mulching: Apply mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds
• Fertilizing: Feed with a balanced evergreen fertilizer in early spring
• Pest Monitoring: Check occasionally for bagworms or scale insects

Why Choose Steeplechase Western Red Cedar

Steeplechase Western Red Cedar delivers dense coverage, strong structure, and elegant form, making it one of the most effective evergreens for privacy and landscape impact.

• Superior Density: More refined and compact than traditional Green Giant
• Fast Growth: Establishes quickly to provide rapid screening
• Year-Round Coverage: Retains rich green foliage even in winter
• Versatile: Thrives in a wide range of soils and climates
• Bold Presence: A commanding evergreen focal point for large-scale plantings

Steeplechase Western Red Cedar (Thuja standishii x plicata 'Steeplechase') offers the ideal blend of vigor, density, and elegance, creating a lush privacy screen that also serves as a striking evergreen centerpiece for residential or commercial landscapes.