Thuja

Thuja gets no respect; most conifer collectors see them as second rate Chamaecyparis. It is true that they lack the delicate graceful presence that many Chamaecyparis bring to the garden, however Thuja excels in other areas. As huge specimen plants they are unbelievable, rivaling giant redwoods in size lending an almost primordial look to the garden. Ok, I admit it; it does take forever to achieve this look but even as younger plants they are not without merit. The genus offers an impressive array of forms and textures and best of all they are as close to indestructible as conifers get. They will grow in nearly standing water or in dry sand beds, in full sun or dense shade; they may not like it but they will live.