How to Grow Western Red Cedar Zebrina

Western Red Cedar Zebrina

Thuja plicata 'Zebrina'

tree

Western Red Cedar Zebrina is a narrow, columnar conifer with striking yellow and green variegated foliage that creates a distinctive striped appearance. This cultivar retains the aromatic, feathery foliage of its species while offering enhanced ornamental value. It grows as a medium-sized evergreen tree ideal for screening, windbreaks, and formal landscape statements.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun to partial shade; 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily for best color variegation

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Water: Consistent moisture is critical, especially during establishment and growing season; deep watering weekly in dry periods. Avoid waterlogged conditions. Once established, moderately drought-tolerant but performs best with regular moisture.

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Spacing: 36 inches

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Days to maturity: 3-5 years to landscape maturity; full height in 15-20 years

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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as root ball; do not bury the crown

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy or sandy soil with good moisture retention

pH: 5.5-7.0

Amendments:

Peat moss or compost for moisture retention Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Mulch layer (2-3 inches) to maintain consistent moisture

Growing Zones

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Thrives best in zones 5-8, tolerates zones 4b-9a

4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

Growth Stages

Establishment

First 1-2 years

Young sapling with delicate variegated foliage, slender columnar form emerging

Water regularly; avoid transplanting shock by maintaining consistent moisture. Protect from strong winds. Apply 2-3 inch mulch layer. No pruning needed.

Juvenile Growth

Years 2-4

Columnar form becomes more defined; variegation intensifies with better sunlight exposure; height increases 12-24 inches annually

Continue consistent watering. Prune only to remove dead or damaged branches. Ensure good air circulation. Begin fertilizing lightly in early spring.

Mature Growth

Years 5+

Tree reaches 20-30 feet tall with full columnar shape; dense, feathery foliage shows bold yellow-green striping; slow growth continues

Water during extended droughts. Minimal pruning needed; remove only lower branches if desired for clearance. Monitor for pest issues. Annual fertilizer optional.

Winter Dormancy

3-4 months (varies by zone)

Foliage retains variegation but may show slight bronze or burgundy tinting in cold climates; growth slows dramatically

No active watering needed if winter precipitation is adequate. Avoid pruning. Protect from heavy snow damage by allowing branches to shed snow naturally. Monitor for winter desiccation in arid climates.

Companion Planting

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Plant with:

Juniperus scopulorum (Rocky Mountain Juniper) Picea pungens (Blue Spruce) Chamaecyparis lawsoniana (Lawson Cypress) Ilex verticillata (Winterberry) Taxus × media (Hybrid Yew) Euonymus alatus (Burning Bush)

Avoid planting near:

Black walnut (Juglans nigra) - produces juglone toxin Salt-heavy areas and de-icing salt spray paths Poorly drained depressions prone to waterlogging Very hot, dry exposed locations without afternoon shade in zones 8-9

Common Pests

Hand-pick bags in winter; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) in early summer when caterpillars emerge; prune heavily infested branches
Increase humidity through misting; use horticultural oil spray; introduce predatory mites; avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen
Prune affected branch tips; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil in early spring; maintain tree vigor
Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering; plant in elevated beds if drainage is poor; no cure—remove severely affected trees
Apply horticultural oil spray in dormant season or summer oil in growing season; prune heavily infested branches

Uses

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Aromatic foliage & crafts

Household

Fresh or dried foliage emits a pleasant cedar aroma used in wreaths, floral arrangements, and natural air freshening. The wood is historically valued for its insect-repellent and rot-resistant properties in closets and storage. [source]

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Wildlife habitat

Wildlife

Dense columnar form provides excellent shelter for birds and small mammals. The foliage offers cover and nesting sites for various songbirds year-round. [source]

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Traditional herbal tea

Culinary

In traditional medicine, Western Red Cedar foliage has been brewed as a vitamin C-rich tea, though modern use is limited and should be approached cautiously due to safety concerns. [source]

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Screening & windbreak

Household

The columnar, dense growth habit makes Zebrina ideal for tall privacy screens, windbreaks, and formal hedging in landscapes. The variegated foliage adds visual interest while providing function. [source]

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Ornamental specimen

Craft

The bold yellow-green variegation makes this cultivar a striking focal point in formal gardens, modern landscapes, and container displays as a tall specimen accent. [source]

Harvest Tips

Western Red Cedar Zebrina is an ornamental tree, not harvested in traditional sense. However, foliage can be lightly trimmed for fresh arrangements or wreaths in fall/winter. Avoid heavy harvesting as it disrupts the columnar form. For timber (not recommended for young ornamental specimens), harvest at 40+ years of maturity.

Fun Facts

🌱 Western Red Cedar Zebrina's variegation intensifies in brighter light; trees grown in partial shade may show less dramatic yellow striping and appear more uniformly green.
🌱 The 'Zebrina' cultivar was selected for its unique color pattern and originated from the native Pacific Northwest range of Thuja plicata, where the species has been used for centuries by Indigenous peoples for canoe-building, clothing, and medicine.
🌱 Despite the common name 'cedar,' Western Red Cedar is actually a true cypress (genus Thuja) and is more closely related to arborvitae than to true cedars (Cedrus species).

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