Thuja plicata 'Whipcord'

'Whipcord' Western Arborvitae

Whipcord western red cedar (Thuja plicata ‘Whipcord’) has long, cord-like sprays that arch outward and fall around a rounded mound. Green summer foliage turns bronze in winter, adding a seasonal color change.

The unusual texture is easiest to appreciate near a path or at the front of a conifer collection. Its modest growth rate and low, cascading outline also make it useful as an individual accent among stones.

Plant in sun or partial shade with moist, well-drained soil. Water consistently during establishment and allow enough room for the natural outline to develop.

Size guide
• Height: About 4 ft
• Width: About 4 ft
The grower’s garden-size estimate is a planning guide, not a guaranteed mature maximum or a ten-year measurement.

Hardiness
• Published minimum: USDA Zone 5
An upper-zone limit and A/B endpoints are not supplied in this reference.

Best Uses
• Specimen
• Accent Plant
• Rock Garden
• Border

Plant type

Conifer, Dwarf Conifer, Evergreen Shrub

Height

4 ft

Width

4 ft

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Full sun to part shade

Growth rate

Slow

Bloom time

Does not flower

Flower color

None

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Bronze

Soil

Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Border, Rock Garden, Specimen

Shape

Mounded, Weeping

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

No

Deer resistant

Yes

Salt tolerant

No

Drought tolerant

No