THUJA OCCIDENTALIS: A HEDGE IN YOUR BALCONY

THUJA OCCIDENTALIS: A HEDGE IN YOUR BALCONY

Autumn is, together with early spring, the most suitable season for the cultivation of thuja. So, why don't you take advantage of this moment to enrich your garden or terrace? Growing this plant, in fact, is very easy: let's discover together its characteristics and the simple steps to follow for its planting and its care.

Native to North America and East Asia, the thuja genus - common name for thuja - consists of about ten evergreen conifers belonging to the family of Cupressaceae, the same that also collects cedar, cypress and juniper.


If the thuja orientalis is the most particularly suitable for the formation of dense impassable hedges in the garden due to its stem that can reach 15 meters in height, theoccidentalis - slightly smaller in size - can be used for ornamental purposes even in pots, to embellish the garden, balconies or terraces.

There thuja occidentalis stands out for for the majesty of the stem erect, that flaunts an enchanting pyramidal crown or elongated shaped like a flame. Its bark is of a brown-orange color, while the small leaves, very dense, enchant with their emerald green color. The plant also produces small rounded black or green pine cones, slightly pruinose and which, before breaking to release their seeds, turn brown.

The slow growth of this plant makes it particularly suitable for the creation of potted hedges: combining three plants for every linear meter it is possible to create nice dense and well-formed green barriers.

Here are the precautions you need to have if you choose to cultivate this conifer:

What is the preferred terrain?

A rich, soft, deep and very well drained soil is the perfect choice for this plant and, as it fears water stagnation, it is advisable to mix sand or pumice with the soil before burying it.


What is the best location?

These conifers grow ideally if placed in full sun, but they can tolerate even partial shade well. They can be planted at any time of the year, but it is better to prefer autumn or early spring. As for the distance between one plant and another, however, generally the subjects can be placed at about 1 meter from each other to create a hedge. Obviously, keep in mind that the closer they are, the denser and more compact the hedge will be.


How do you proceed with irrigation?

The plants must be irrigated for at least the first six months and during the growing season. When the plant is freed, it will be necessary to intervene only if the soil is too dry. Excessive administration is absolutely to be avoided, since they can be the basis for the development of root rot.


When to fertilize?

Fertilization is not always necessary, but it can be a good habit to spread - at the end of winter - a few handfuls of slow release granular fertilizer, possibly balanced. In this way, the plant is guaranteed its fundamental nourishment and a more balanced and healthy growth.


How is pruning done?

Pruning of the thuja occidentalis it must take place in March, where it is good to begin to intervene to eliminate dead or damaged wood.
For the first few years it is good proceed with frequent shaving to encourage the thickening of individuals (especially if you want to create a hedge). It can be done from spring to mid-summer.

CLICK HERE to discover our variety of thuja and follow these short steps to independently create a majestic and enchanting hedge right in your garden or balcony!

All comments

Leave a Reply

Off line