| General Description | A broad, pyramidal-shaped tree with a bushy habit, ‘Zebrina’ is a fast grower that can reach up to 15 metres in height. It is known for its distinctly patterned variegation, which resembles zebra stripes across its medium-green foliage. The tree features beautifully plated reddish-grey bark. |
| ID Characteristic | Thuja plicata has dark green foliage throughout the entire tree, whereas ‘Zebrina’ is easily identifiable by its uniquely striped, yellow variegation. Additionally, this cultivar has a broad-pyramidal form, differing from the straight species’ more narrow habit. |
| Shape | Broad-pyramidal. |
| Landscape | Due to its bushy habit, it is a good plant for informal gardens or as a hedge or screen. Missouri Botanical Gardens suggests it could be used in a rain garden. Additionally, this cultivar is deer-resistant, so there is no worry of scuffs or tears in the bark due to deer. Overall, this cultivar is generally vigorous. |
| Propagation | This cultivar is propagated using semi-hardwood cuttings, which is a common method for most conifers. The process starts by taking a cutting of a stem just below a leaf node and removing the lower leaves, dipping the cutting into a rooting hormone to promote root growth, and planting into a soil-less media.
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| Cultivation | Best grown in full sun to part shade and moist, well-drained soil. A semi-protected location is ideal, preferably when young, as they are intolerant to dry conditions and hot summer climates. This plant does well in cooler temperatures. According to the Royal Horticultural Society, pruning is not necessary. |
| Pests | Thuja plicata ‘Zebrina’ may be susceptible to scale insects and conifer aphid. Diseases may include honey fungus and thuja blight. This cultivar is resistant to deer. |
| Notable Specimens | New York Botanical Garden, New York City, New York, United States of America. The Oregon Garden, Silverton, Oregon, United States of America.
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| Habitat | Horticultural origin. |
| Bark/Stem Description | The bark on Thuja plicata ‘Zebrina’ is similar to that of the straight species. It has reddish-grey, plated bark on the trunk and is noticeably reddish-brown on the stems. |
| Flower/Leaf Bud Description | Research is non-specific to this cultivar, but in the straight species the small pollen buds appear on the lower branches at the end of the branchlets. |
| Leaf Description | Thuja plicata ‘Zebrina’ has scale-like leaves arranged in flattened sprays. It has attractive, creamy-yellow banding that will whiten as the tree ages. The cultivar name ‘Zebrina’ comes from the colour of the leaves, as the variegation alternates from yellow to medium green, resembling zebra stripes. If planted in the shade, the variegation will persist; however, in a hot climate, it will fade. Additionally, the foliage is aromatic and gives off a fruity smell similar to the straight species. |
| Flower Description | This cultivar does not produce flowers. |
| Fruit Description | This cultivar produces small cones similar to the straight species. In summer, they are light green and turn brown in autumn. |
| Colour Description | The foliage is a glossy green colour with bands of creamy-yellow variegation. From afar, the bands disappear and give the whole tree a solid yellow effect, hiding the uniqueness until taking a closer look. As the tree matures, the yellow will become more white and in the winter, the foliage will appear bronze. The bark on this tree is reddish-grey, resembling the straight species. |
| Texture Description | Medium. |