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Leylandii or Thuja?

TheGreenManTheGreenMan Posts: 1,957
in Plants
Is anyone able to identify what my hedge is actually made of plant wise? 

I didn’t realise there were so many varieties of “conifer” plants. 

Are there noticeable differences I can look for to identify what I have? 🤔

I can take pics if they would help. I’ve read that thuja has a strong smell and glossier leaves…… 🤷🏽

Posts

  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    If you rub the thuja leaves they have a distinctive smell, kind of "pineapple" imo. Also glossy, yes.
    For some reason l can't see your photo, so l can't comment on that.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Sometimes the photos take while to appear, especially if they're  a bit big.
    Hundreds, if not thousands, of conifer types and varieties @TheGreenMan. It's just that GCs etc tend to stick with the most popular ones.
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • TheGreenManTheGreenMan Posts: 1,957

  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    edited February 2022
    Looking at one of your earlier threads with photos, I'd say that's Thuja plicata.  Gives a nice green evergreen screen and will take cutting back easily, unlike Leylandii. Looks good to me!

    Just seen the close up - Yes Thuja!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    I can see them now, thanks @TheGreenMan :)
    They look very much like thuja to me.
  • TheGreenManTheGreenMan Posts: 1,957
    Thanks everyone @AnniD @Plantminded @Fairygirl

    I had my suspicions it was thuja. When I trimmed it when we moved in the smell stuck to me all day and I could smell it for days when I went outside. 


  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Yes - it [thuja] is completely different to Leyland cypress. 
    Thank your lucky stars  ;)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • TheGreenManTheGreenMan Posts: 1,957
    Fairygirl said:
    Yes - it [thuja] is completely different to Leyland cypress. 
    Thank your lucky stars  ;)
    It’s made me VERY happy. The previous, previous owners had a lovely garden so the fact they chose thuja over leyland makes sense. 

    I can forgive it for bringing me out in a rash now! 😂
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