Graceful, evergreen groundcover shrub with soft textured needles arranged in flattened sprays. Provides a disease-resistant alternative to groundcover junipers in well-drained, sunny to partially shaded locations.

Description:

The foliage of this evergreen groundcover has a soft, feathery appearance, lending a gentle touch to the formal landscape. It has graceful branchlets arranged in flattened sprays. The foliage is bright green in summer and turns to a bronzy purple to brown in the winter. Native to mountain tops in Russia, Russian arborvitae grows to approximately 12 inches but may spread to over 15 feet. The shrub does not produce visible flower cones.

Landscape Use:

Russian arborvitae works well as a groundcover. It provides a low maintenance carpet of green as well as excellent soil stabilization and weed control over large informal areas. Russian arborvitae is particularly useful in shady areas where many juniper groundcovers will not thrive.

Site Requirements:

Prefers moist, well-drained soil and sun to partial shade. It may be somewhat less vigorous in areas with hotter summers as it has limited drought tolerance. Very cold hardy. Zones 3-7 (less vigorous in 8).

Sustainable Features:

No serious pest problems. Provides a sustainable alternative to blight-prone juniper groundcovers.

Where to See Them/Availability:

The Russian arborvitae is planted in the URI Learning Landscape in Kingston, RI. The shrub is available at many garden centers and nurseries.

Cultivars:

The 'Vancouver' form has been reported to be a superior clone.

Propagation Information for Growers:

By seed or by cuttings.