Platycladus orientalis
Chinese Arborvitae, Oriental Arborv
Description
Formerly called Thuja orientalis. Conifer, evergreen shrub or tree, 4-6 ft high, 3-5 ft wide. As a tree, it may reach 40 ft tall. Habit is dense and somewhat oval shaped, with branchlets held vertically and nearly parallel in arrangement. Bark is thin, red-brown, separating into papery scales. Leaves are scale-like, bright green but may turn brownish in winter, nearly alike on both sides, those on a main axis glandular, ending in a free spreading point. Cones are oval shaped, tiny, fleshy, blue before they mature, scales thick and hooked. This conifer does best in full sun, opening up with age and may need to be tied to control. Many cultivars available. Plant in well-draining, fertile, moist soil. In dry areas, water regularly.
Plant Type
Conifer
Height Range
3-6'
Width Range
Flower Color
n/a
Flower Season
n/a
Leaf Color
Green
Bark Color
Brown, Red
Fruit Color
Blue
Fruit Season
Summer
Sun
Full
Water
Medium, Extra in Summer
Growth Rate
Slow
Soil Type
Loam
Soil Condition
Rich, Well-drained, Moist
Soil pH
Neutral
Adverse Factors
n/a
Design Styles
English Cottage, Formal, Woodland
Accenting Features
Silhouette, Unusual Foliage, Unusual Shape
Seasonal Interest
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Location Uses
Entry, Foundation, Patio, Walls / Fences, Walkways, With Rocks
Special Uses
Hedge, Screen, Wind Break
Attracts Wildlife
n/a
Water Saving Tip:
Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs.
If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.