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There are five species in the Thuja genus which are well-known hedging plants in the UK. Thuja hedging is often thought to be slow growing but only because it grows at a slower rate than Leylandii which does grow really fast. However, Thuja still grows at a good rate each year but it is easy to manage, keep in shape and height along with filling out easily to grow a nice-looking hedge. There are many types available as well, so it is a good choice if you would like a hedge to grow fast. Thuja can be grown into tall hedges or kept as smaller shrubs and they also look great in mixed borders with their evergreen foliage.
Western Red Cedar Growth Rate
Thuja plicata ‘Atrovirens’ will grow up to 60cm per year. Which is fast, but easily manageable with one trim per year in Autumn.
Northern White Cedar growth rate
Thuja occidentalis ‘Golden Smaragd’ grows up to 60cm per year although more narrow and compact in comparison to other types.
Thuja arborvitae ‘Green Giant’ growth rate
This Thuja generally grows up to 90cm per year but in some cases can grow up to 150cm if planted and cared for well. This is a popular evergreen conifer seen in many UK gardens.
American Arborvitae growth rate
Thuja occidentalis is another type that will grow up to 90cm per year and in some cases even more.
Thuja hedge growth can be up to 20m and albeit slower growing than Leylandii it can still get very tall. The difference is, because it grows slower, Thuja can be easier to manage and there are many different types available.
Thuja can be grown in almost any well-drained soil and in all aspects from sun to shade. However, we would recommend that Thuja plants do receive some sunshine if you would like them to grow faster and also thrive.
Make sure Thuja is planted as advised depending on if you buy bare root, rootball or potted plants and give them a mulch as well. Each year, if needed, apply some fertiliser around the base for an extra boost.
Thuja arborvitae ‘Green Giant’ at a growth rate of between 90cm – 150cm per year is well known as the fastest Thuja type. They are ideally suited to larger spaces where they can flourish and grow to reach their full potential. Thuja ‘Green Giant’ can look stunning as privacy hedging, are easy to care for and trim as long as you have easy access and the birds will nest inside as well.
Thuja plicata ‘Atrovirens’ can grow up to 35m and Thuja occidentalis can grow up to 20m high making them the tallest of all the Thuja plants. So if you are looking for a tall hedge, choose one of these. However, even though they can grow this tall they are still easy to manage and with one trim a year can be kept at a lower height.
