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Thuja plicata ‘Zebrina’ (Western Arborvitae)

Zebrina Arborvitae, Western Arborvitae 'Zebrina', Western Red Cedar 'Zebrina'

AGM Award
Thuja plicata Zebrina, Western Red Cedar Zebrina, Western Arborvitae Zebrina

Thuja plicata ‘Zebrina’ is a unique and attractive evergreen, perfect for adding a touch of variegated color to the landscape. Its adaptability to different environmental conditions and striking foliage make it a favored choice for gardeners looking to enhance the aesthetic appeal of their outdoor spaces.

Thuja plicata ‘Zebrina’: An In-depth Look

Thuja plicata ‘Zebrina’, also known as Zebrina Western Red Cedar, is a strikingly variegated cultivar known for its unique foliage and ornamental value. It is admired for its variegated foliage, featuring green leaves streaked with yellow, giving it a zebra-like appearance. It maintains a pyramidal shape with a somewhat open growth habit.

Native: This cultivar belongs to Thuja plicata, a species native to the western regions of North America, particularly along the Pacific coast.

Plant Type and Habit: As an evergreen conifer, ‘Zebrina’ has a pyramidal growth habit, characterized by its upright and moderately dense branching.

Size: It can reach heights of about 30-50 feet tall (9-15 meters) and a spread of around 8-12 feet (2.4-3.6 meters), making it a sizable choice for landscape use.

Foliage: The foliage is the most striking feature, with bright yellow streaks on a green background. The leaves are scale-like and densely packed.

Bark: The bark is fibrous, reddish-brown, and furrowed, adding textural interest to the plant.

Uses: Ideal for specimen planting, hedges, and privacy screens. Its variegated foliage adds color and interest to landscape designs.

Award: Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.

Hardiness: Hardy in USDA zones 5-7, it is adaptable to a range of environmental conditions.

Wildlife: Provides shelter for birds and small wildlife.

Toxicity: Generally considered non-toxic to humans and animals.

Deer and Rabbit: May exhibits some resistance to browsing by deer and rabbits.

Invasiveness: This cultivar is not considered invasive and typically stays within its planted boundaries.

Benefits: Offers striking variegated foliage, adding year-round interest to gardens. It’s also a relatively low-maintenance plant, suitable for a variety of landscaping needs.

Western Arborvitae Growing Tips

Light: Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Full sun promotes denser foliage and healthier growth.

Soil: Adaptable to a range of soil types but thrives best in moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral soil.

Water: Regular watering is crucial, especially in dry conditions and for newly planted trees. Established trees have moderate drought tolerance.

Fertilizer: Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for evergreens. Avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to excessive growth and potential damage.

Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Prune for shaping or size control in late winter or early spring. Avoid heavy pruning into old wood.

Mulch: Provide a generous root zone mulch.

Propagation: Typically propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer.

Pests and Diseases: Watch for bagworms and root rot.

Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 7
Heat Zones 6 - 8
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A3
Plant Type Conifers, Trees
Plant Family Cupressaceae
Genus Thuja
Common names Western Red Cedar, Arborvitae
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height 30' - 50' (9.1m - 15.2m)
Spread 8' - 12' (240cm - 3.7m)
Spacing 84" - 144" (210cm - 3.7m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen, Plant of Merit
Tolerance Clay Soil
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Thuja plicata ‘Whipcord’ (Western Arborvitae)
Thuja plicata Spring Grove® (Western Arborvitae)
Thuja orientalis (Oriental Arborvitae)
Thuja orientalis ‘Nana Aurea’ (Oriental Arborvitae)
Thuja occidentalis ‘Tiny Tim’ (American Arborvitae)
Thuja occidentalis ‘Hetz Midget’ (American Arborvitae)

Recommended Companion Plants

Sedum (Stonecrop)
Hydrangea paniculata (Panicle Hydrangea)
Azalea and Rhododendron

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Small Trees and Shrubs That Attract Birds
Roots of Life: Exploring the Diverse World of Trees
37 Best Evergreen Trees for Privacy and Year-Round Interest
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Choosing Your Ideal Hedge: A Guide to Top Shrubs for Any Garden
Small Evergreen Shrubs for Year-Round Appeal
Thuja (Arborvitae)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 7
Heat Zones 6 - 8
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A3
Plant Type Conifers, Trees
Plant Family Cupressaceae
Genus Thuja
Common names Western Red Cedar, Arborvitae
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height 30' - 50' (9.1m - 15.2m)
Spread 8' - 12' (240cm - 3.7m)
Spacing 84" - 144" (210cm - 3.7m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen, Plant of Merit
Tolerance Clay Soil
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Thuja (Arborvitae)
Guides with
Thuja (Arborvitae)
Not sure which Thuja (Arborvitae) to pick?
Compare Now

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