
Light Needs

Mature Height

Mature Spread

Growing Zones
The Whipcord Western Red Cedar or Thuja plicata Whipcord is a part of the arborvitae family, as seen in the scale-like foliage. The center trunk grows 4 to 5 feet tall when mature and is almost entirely concealed by the long, slender branches that gracefully weep or hang down. The weeping branches give the ornamental plant a fountain-like appearance that adds visual interest and texture to a landscape. The foliage is green for most of the year but develops a slight bronze hue during the winter.
Use the Whipcord Western Red Cedar as a specimen planting or in beds. The height and greenery will provide a nice contrast when featured in a mixed bed with other perennials. This plant is a slow grower that can be used along a foundation or to define a border. The Whipcord Western Red Cedar is native to the Pacific Northwest and grows as a perennial in USDA zones 5 through 8.
Whipcord Western Red Cedar Care
The Whipcord Western Red Cedar prefers consistent, weekly watering, although it may need more frequent water during a dry spell. Plant in an area that receives full to partial sun. Use moist but well-draining soil that is fertile and slightly acidic. Add a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to hold in moisture and prevent weeds.
Prune dead growth as needed and shape the plant if necessary. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring to promote new growth.
Whipcord Western Red Cedar Spacing
This upright arborvitae cultivar grows 4 to 5 feet tall and wide. Space plants as close as 4 feet to create a consistent planting or leave more room around each Whipcord to allow the fountain-like foliage to stand out.
Whipcord Western Red Cedar Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 - 8 |
Plant Type: Bushes |
Light Exposure: Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 4 - 5 Feet |
Mature Spread: 4 - 5 Feet |
Spacing: 4 - 5 Feet |
Habit: Upright |
Flower Color(s): None |
Flower Description: |
Bloom Period: |
Foliage Type: Evergreen |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: Russet-Hued Bronze |
Seasonal Interest: Winter Interest |
Watering: Average |
Resists: Deer |
Tolerates: Heat |
Attracts: Birds |
Container Role: |
Uses: Wildlife Gardens |
Features: Foliage Interest, Low Maintenance, Native to north America |
Brand: |
Common Name: Whipcord Western Red Cedar |
Other Name(s): |
Scientific Name: THUJA PLICATA `WHIPCORD` |
- SKU:
- 1231004434-pc
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.

Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts

Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts

Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts

Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons

Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons

Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons

We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind.
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2025 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.

Pre-ordered plants are scheduled to ship in Spring 2025. We carefully plan our shipping dates based on your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to ensure optimal planting conditions upon arrival. Want it sooner/later? Reach out, and we'll try our best to accommodate.
Estimated ship week for pre-ordered plants will ship based on growing zones as shown below.
Growing Zone | Estimated Ship Week |
---|---|
Zone 10 | March 31th |
Zone 9 | March 31st |
Zone 8 | April 7th |
Zone 7 | April 14th |
Zone 6b | April 21st |
Zone 6a | April 28th |
Zone 5b | May 5th |
Zone 5a | May 12th |
Zone 4 | May 19th |
Zone 3 | May 26th |
Note: These are only estimated ship dates. Plants may ship out later depending on weather & growing conditions of the plant.
Note: Only plants indicated as pre-order will ship as shown above. All other plants and hard goods will ship as normal.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: Idaho, AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!