Thuja plicata 'De Rakt' Sugar and Spice„¢ is a narrow, upright selection of western red-cedar that is well-suited for smaller spaces. Foliage is finely textured, and bright, light-green in color, and holds color quite well in winter in colder climates. Many well known cultivars in this species are famous for fading to shades of bronze to muddy brown when exposed to freezing temperatures.
After 10 years of growth, a matures specimen will measure 12 feet (4 m) tall and 40 inches (1 m) wide, an annual growth rate of 12 inches (30 cm).
This cultivar originated as a branch mutation (color and texture sport) on a specimen of Thuja plicata 'Gelderland' found in 1989 by Kees de Jong in his garden in Uden, The Netherlands. In 2009, this conifer was awarded Plant Patent #019926 and is now commonly seen marketed under the commercial name, Sugar and Spice„¢.
