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Microbiota decussata (Russian arbor-vitae)
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1 hour care
per year
per year
0.5m
Max height
Max height
1.5m
Max spread
Max spread
10-20 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Microbiota decussata
Other names
Russian arbor-vitae, Siberian carpet cypress, Russian arborvitae, Siberian cypress
Genus
Microbiota Microbiota
Species
M. decussata - M. decussata is a prostrate, dense, evergreen, coniferous shrub with scale-like, mid-green leaves turning bronze-purple in winter. Inconspicuous, yellow flowers in spring are followed by berry-like, yellow-brown fruit.
Microbiota decussata is: Evergreen
Habit
Mat Forming, Prostrate, Spreading
Awards
RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)
Flower
Insignificant or absent, Yellow in Spring
Foliage
Flushed bronze in Winter; Green in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
General care
Propagation methods
Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings
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Where to grow
Microbiota decussata (Russian arbor-vitae) will reach a height of 0.5m and a spread of 1.5m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
Banks and Slopes, Beds and borders, City, Containers, Cottage/Informal, Gravel, Ground Cover, Low Maintenance, Rock
Cultivation
Plant in moist, free-draining soil in a sunny position
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
Botanical name
Microbiota decussata
Other names
Russian arbor-vitae, Siberian carpet cypress, Russian arborvitae, Siberian cypress
Genus
Microbiota Microbiota
Species
M. decussata - M. decussata is a prostrate, dense, evergreen, coniferous shrub with scale-like, mid-green leaves turning bronze-purple in winter. Inconspicuous, yellow flowers in spring are followed by berry-like, yellow-brown fruit.
Native to
Siberia
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Mat Forming, Prostrate, Spreading
Awards
RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)
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Colour
Flower
Insignificant or absent, Yellow in Spring
Foliage
Flushed bronze in Winter; Green in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
General care
Propagation methods
Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Microbiota decussata (Russian arbor-vitae) will reach a height of 0.5m and a spread of 1.5m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
Banks and Slopes, Beds and borders, City, Containers, Cottage/Informal, Gravel, Ground Cover, Low Maintenance, Rock
Cultivation
Plant in moist, free-draining soil in a sunny position
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
USDA zones
Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4, Zone 3, Zone 2
Defra's Risk register #1
Plant name
Microbiota decussata (Russian arbor-vitae)
Common pest name
Cypress twig; borer
Scientific pest name
Argyresthia cupressella
Type
Insect
Current status in UK
Present (Widespread)
Likelihood to spread in UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)
3
Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)
3
General biosecurity comments
Has spread following introduction; little evidence of significant damage. Stakeholder groups may wish to monitor.
About this section
Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.
Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here
Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.
Date updated: 7th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Exposed, Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
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