Sugar and Spice™ Arborvitae Western Red Cedar

Sugar and Spice™ is the trade name for Thuja plicata ‘De Rakt’, a narrow, upright evergreen with fine green foliage and orange-brown stems. Its published 10–12 foot height and 3–3½ foot spread make it useful where a vertical conifer is needed in a small garden. ## Landscape Use Use it as a focal point, hedge, or vertical accent in a mixed border. Star Roses and Plants describes it as heat tolerant and lists deer resistance among its reasons to grow the selection. [Sugar and Spice™ Thuja](https://starrosesandplants.com/plants/sugar-and-spice-thuja/) ## Growing Conditions Give the plant full sun and regular water until it is established. The product page lists USDA zones 5b–8 and describes the foliage as green on orange-brown stems. USPP19926 identifies the ‘De Rakt’ selection; the patent record gives April 14, 2009 as its grant/publication date. [US plant patent](https://patents.google.com/patent/USPP19926P2/en) ## Maintenance Water consistently during establishment and keep the soil from remaining waterlogged. Allow the narrow crown room to develop; use selective pruning only if the planting needs shaping.