Microbiota decussata
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SIBERIAN CARPET CYPRESS, RUSSIAN CARPET CYPRESS, RUSSIAN ARBORVITAE
Family: Cupressaceae
Pronounced: my-kro-by-OH-tuh de-KUSS-ah-tuh
GROWING GUIDE
Geographic Origin:
Siberia.
Plant Group:
Conifers.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: A3; 1-10, 14-17.
USDA zones: 3-7.
Heat zones: 7-1.
Mature size:
Height: 18 inches (45 cm).
Width: 7-8 feet (2-2.5 m).
Cone attributes:
Tiny female (1/8 inch long with 2 to 4 scales) and male cones (pale yellow, 1/16 to 1/8 inch long).
Needle attributes:
Flat sprays of green, scale-like needles that turn bronzy-purple in winter.
Growth habit:
Prostrate.
Light:
Full sun to partial shade.
Soil:
Moist, well-drained, somewhat fertile soil.
Propagation Methods:
Sow seed in autumn. | Semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
Pests and Diseases:
No problems.
Pruning:
No pruning is required.
Rainy Side Notes
Are you tired of banks of low growing junipers? So am I. Much like harvest gold and avocado green were the hot colors for home interiors and used everywhere back in the 60s and 70s, prostrate junipers were the popular plantings in the landscape and used everywhere. In the new century, banks of junipers give the landscape a worn-out, dated look. However, prostrate, mounding conifers make great bones for a garden. A beautiful substitute for junipers is this single species in the genus Microbiota, the Siberian carpet cypress.
A native to eastern Siberia, this conifer grows handsomely in our cool maritime climate, much to the envy of our heat-loving, southern neighbors. Sprays of handsome branches cover the sprawling shrub; its Thuja-like, green needles appear right at home in our western landscapes. In winter, the conifer adds further interest by turning bronzy purple. Although it grows on a variety of soils, it needs good drainage. The carpet cypress grows best in bright shade; however, it will thrive in full sun with additional irrigation.
Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed at the Rhododendron Species Foundation & Botanical Garden in Federal Way, Washington.
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