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Microbiota decussata (Russian Arborvitae)

Russian Arborvitae, Siberian Carpet Cypress

AGM Award
Microbiota decussata, Russian Arborvitae, Siberian Carpet Cypress, Evergreen Shrub, Evergreen Groundcover

Native to the Siberian mountains, Microbiota decussata (Russian Arborvitae) is a dwarf, evergreen shrubby conifer forming a dense carpet of feathery, scale-like leaves arranged in flat, fan-like sprays. Bright green in spring and summer, the soft-textured foliage turns bronze to plum-purple in fall and winter. Resembling in habit some of the horizontal junipers (Juniperus horizontalis), Russian Arbor-Vitae is however more shade tolerant. Extremely hardy and adaptable, it makes a great needle evergreen groundcover. Perfect for covering slopes or for the rock garden.

  • Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its noteworthy qualities.
  • Grows up to 6-18 in. tall (15-45 cm) and 3-12 ft. wide (90-360 cm).
  • A full sun lover, this plant is easily grown in average, moist, well-drained soils. Appreciates some afternoon shade in hot summer areas.
  • Perfect for banks and slopes, beds and borders, city gardens, cottage gardens, rock gardens. Excellent groundcover.
  • Low maintenance, no pruning required.
  • Generally pest and disease free.
  • Propagate by seed sown in a seedbed in autumn or by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer.
  • Native to southeastern Siberia.

Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 7
Heat Zones 1 - 7
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, A3
Plant Type Conifers, Shrubs
Plant Family Cupressaceae
Common names Siberian Carpet Cypress
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height 6" - 2' (15cm - 60cm)
Spread 3' - 12' (90cm - 3.7m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Garden Uses Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Ground Covers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden, City and Courtyard
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Recommended Companion Plants

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Festuca glauca ‘Elijah Blue’ (Blue Fescue)
Nepeta racemosa ‘Walker’s Low’ (Catmint)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 7
Heat Zones 1 - 7
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, A3
Plant Type Conifers, Shrubs
Plant Family Cupressaceae
Common names Siberian Carpet Cypress
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height 6" - 2' (15cm - 60cm)
Spread 3' - 12' (90cm - 3.7m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Garden Uses Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Ground Covers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden, City and Courtyard
How Many Plants
Do I Need?

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