Find durable, attractive western red cedar seedlings that fit various yards and climates. This guide highlights five practical options for Pacific Northwest and similar regions, focusing on growth potential, transplant success, and landscape usefulness. Read on to identify the best seedling choices for privacy screens, windbreaks, or ornamental plantings, and note suitable buyers for each option.
| Product | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Incense Cedar | Small Tree Seedling | Fragrance lovers and California-to-Pacific Northwest climates | Cinnamon-colored conifer with seed-grown origin |
| 6pack Live Red Cedar Seedlings | Privacy screens and windbreaks | Multiple seedlings in 3″ pots for quick mass planting |
| 4pack Live Red Cedar Tree Hybrid Seedlings | Budget-friendly, medium-scale landscape | Two live seedlings per pack with easy transplanting |
| Thuja plicata (Western Redcedar) Seeds | Long-term landscape with wildlife value | Trial seed packet for careful planning |
| One Live Red Cedar Tree Seedling | Compact start for Pacific Northwest gardens | 3-inch pot ready for transplant |
Incense Cedar Seedling By The Jonsteen Company
Features: Grow your own Incense Cedar (Calocedrus decurrens), a cinnamon-colored and fragrant conifer. Seed-grown on California’s Redwood Coast, with transplanting and care instructions included.
Best for: Gardeners who want a scented, distinctive evergreen with a coastal-origin lineage. Best for medium to large landscapes once established.
Why selected: Combines ornamental value with fragrance and a region-friendly origin. Transplant guidance helps reduce early growth injuries.
Caution: Seedling care instructions are essential; failure to follow transplant timing may affect establishment.
6pack Live Red Cedar Seedlings
Features: Two live evergreen tree seedlings per order, ideal for privacy screens, windbreaks, or ornamental landscape. Each seedling arrives healthy in a 3-inch pot with a developed root system for easy transplanting. Hardy conifer with aromatic foliage and a natural pyramidal habit.
Best for: Homeowners seeking multiple seedlings for rapid screening or a larger planting area. Good for creating a hedge-like effect in full sun.
Why selected: The quantity supports faster canopy development, and the 3″ pot size reduces transplant shock.
Caution: Results depend on proper drought management after planting; ensure steady moisture during establishment.
4pack Live Red Cedar Tree Hybrid Seedlings
Features: Two live evergreen tree seedlings per pack, ready to plant with a healthy 3-inch pot and well-established root system. Foliage offers a pleasant aroma and a natural pyramidal growth habit, thriving in full sun with moderate moisture and drought tolerance once established.
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers wanting a pair of trees for privacy or accent planting in sunny spots.
Why selected: Combines cost efficiency with reliable transplant readiness and drought tolerance after establishment.
Caution: Avoid plantings in overly wet soils or poorly drained sites to prevent root issues.
One Live Red Cedar Seedling
Features: Native species from the Oregon Coast region, suited for Pacific Northwest gardens. Comes in a 3-inch nursery pot with appropriate growing medium. Growth potential aligns with typical cedar development over time.
Best for: Gardeners starting a western red cedar project in cooler coastal climates, or those with limited space initially.
Why selected: Provides a straightforward starter option and a native selection for regional biodiversity.
Caution: Growth is gradual; plan for long-term landscape integration rather than rapid screening.
Buying Guide
What climate is best for western red cedar seedlings?
Western red cedar (Thuja plicata) and related seedlings thrive in USDA zones 6–9. They prefer full sun and well-drained soils. Some varieties tolerate moderate drought once established, but establishing the root system in year one is critical.
How many seedlings should I buy?
For fast privacy or windbreak effects, multiple seedlings increase canopy density quickly. If space or budget is limited, start with a single healthy seedling in a 3-inch pot and plan staggered planting over several seasons.
What should I consider before planting?
- Soil quality: loam soil with good drainage tends to support robust growth.
- Sun exposure: full sun generally yields the best form and color for these conifers.
- Watering: young plants need consistent moisture; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Transplant timing: follow seedling transplant guidance to minimize transplant shock.
Care and maintenance overview
Transplant seedlings promptly after receipt into prepared beds or containers. Mulch to retain soil moisture, monitor for pests, and provide steady irrigation during establishment. Prune lightly to maintain desired shape without stressing the young tree.
How to choose between seedling types?
Incense cedar is ideal for fragrance and coastal-adapted landscapes, while red cedar cultivars offer robust evergreen structure for privacy and windbreaks. Seed packets provide a cost-effective entry for experimental planting, whereas bundled seedlings help achieve quick coverage.
Common risks and limitations
Root disturbance during transplant can cause stress. Choose plants with healthy root systems and avoid overly harsh pruning. Some hybrids may require more sun to realize their best growth forms.
FAQ
- Are western red cedar seedlings suitable for containers?
- What is the typical establishment period?
- Can these seedlings tolerate drought?
- Do these trees attract wildlife?
- Should I fertilize new seedlings?
- What is the best way to prune young cedars?
Yes, but plant health may favor larger containers as the tree grows in height and root mass.
Initial establishment usually takes one to two growing seasons with consistent moisture and proper transplanting.
Many will tolerate moderate drought once established, but consistent moisture helps until roots are well established.
Western red cedar species provide habitat and nesting sites for local wildlife, contributing to ecosystem health.
Follow local guidelines; light, slow-release fertilizer can be applied after establishment if soil tests indicate deficiency.
Prune sparingly to maintain natural shape and avoid cutting into inner growth; aggressive pruning can stress young trees.