Western Red Cedar ‘Whipcord’ 10/20cm (1L)

The Western Red Cedar ‘Whipcord’ *Thuja plicata* is a distinctive evergreen that adds character and texture to any garden space. This compact variety is known for its remarkable thread-like foliage that hangs down in thin, rope-like drooping strands. As a slow-growing plant, it develops into a rounded, mounded form, making it ideal for gardeners seeking an eye-catching feature that stays manageable in size.

‘Whipcord’ usually grows to around 1-1.5 metres in both height and width after 10 years, with a particularly slow growth rate. Its compact dimensions make it suitable for virtually any garden situation, whether you have a small urban plot, rock garden, mixed planting scheme, or want to grow it in a large pot on your patio or balcony. The deep green, cord-like leaves provide continuous interest throughout the year, with their distinctive texture being a real standout feature.

This tree excels at bringing movement and visual appeal to garden spaces. Its dome-like form and pendulous, whipcord branches make it a natural conversation piece, drawing attention and enhancing your garden’s overall design. The striking foliage creates an almost sculptural presence that complements both contemporary and classic garden themes.

Many gardeners favour ‘Whipcord’ because it’s easy to look after and quite tough. After it’s settled in, it handles various soil conditions well and can put up with urban pollution, which makes it suitable for city gardens. It’s also rarely bothered by pests or diseases, so it won’t demand lots of attention.

This cedar fits into many different garden situations. It brings lasting appeal to rockeries, makes an unusual container specimen, or provides evergreen interest in mixed plantings. You might use it as a single statement piece in a smaller area, or group several together for added impact.

Gardeners wanting to introduce permanent structure and something genuinely different to their gardens will find Western Red Cedar ‘Whipcord’ a brilliant choice. Its striking leaves, neat habit, and simple care requirements make it a worthwhile plant for any garden, particularly if you’re after something truly distinctive.

Caring for Western Red Cedar ‘Whipcord’ is straightforward, which is great news for gardeners. Plant it in a spot that gets full sun to partial shade. It prefers well-drained soil but can adapt to various soil types. Water regularly when it’s first planted to help it establish. Once settled, it’s quite drought-tolerant but will appreciate occasional deep watering during prolonged dry spells. You don’t need to feed it often – a light application of slow-release fertiliser in spring is enough. Pruning isn’t necessary to maintain its compact shape, but you can remove any dead or damaged branches if needed. Keep an eye out for any signs of browning or dieback, which could indicate stress. ‘Whipcord’ is very hardy and can cope with winters without extra protection, even in exposed or coastal areas.

**Ultimate height**
1–1.5 metres

**Time to ultimate height**
10–20 years

**Ultimate spread**
1–1.5 metres