Arborvitae and Western red cedar are often considered for the same spot in the garden (hedge, screening, specimen). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Thuja occidentalis 3.5 m × 1.2 m after 10 years
A dense evergreen with scale-like foliage, planted in its columnar and conical forms (such as fast Brabant or slim Columna) as a clipped hedge or…
Thuja plicata 5 m × 2 m after 10 years
A fast-growing evergreen with glossy dark green, scale-like foliage that smells of pineapple when crushed. For hedges it is mostly planted as the…
Arborvitae: We do not recommend it for most Central European gardens.
Arborvitae is hardier: down to -40 °C, against -29 °C for Western red cedar.
Western red cedar needs less water than Arborvitae.
Western red cedar is cheaper: about €4 at the size usually planted, against about €8 for Arborvitae.
|
Feature
|
Arborvitae
|
Western red cedar
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Hedge | Hedge |
| Size after 10 years | 3.5 m × 1.2 m | 5 m × 2 m |
| Ultimate size | 0.5–20 m × 0.5–4.5 m | 15–30 m × 4.5–9 m |
| Growth rate | Medium | Fast |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade | Full sun, Part shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Clay, Calcareous | Average garden soil, Clay, Acidic, Calcareous |
| Hardiness | down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7) | down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Water need | High | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Low | Low |
| Maintenance | Medium | Medium |
| Planting distance | 70 cm | 70 cm |
| For dogs | Toxic (uncertain) | Toxic (uncertain) |
| For cats | Toxic (uncertain) | Toxic (uncertain) |
| For children | Toxic | Toxic |
| Typical price | approx. €8 | approx. €4 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 8, 2026
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