What hardiness zones is Microbiota decussata suitable for?

Microbiota decussata is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.

What are the sun requirements for Microbiota decussata?

Microbiota decussata requires Part Shade.

How much water does Microbiota decussata need?

Microbiota decussata has Medium water needs.

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Coniferous Shrubs

Microbiota decussata

Russian Cypress

Cupressaceae

Sikhote-Alin mountains, Primorsky Krai, far eastern Russia

At a Glance

TypeShrub

HabitSpreading

FoliageEvergreen

Height0.5-1.5 feet (15-46 cm)

Width6-12 feet (1.8-3.7 m)

Maturity10 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

2 - 7

Zone 2

Zone 3

Zone 4

Zone 5

Zone 6

Zone 7

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Deer Resistant

Drought Tolerant

Container Friendly

Maintenancevery low

Overview

Microbiota decussata is a low-growing, spreading evergreen conifer reaching 0.5-1.5 feet (15-46 cm) tall with a spread of 6-12 feet (1.8-3.7 m), developing a dense, flat, ground-hugging mat with gracefully arching branch tips. A monotypic genus — the only species in Microbiota. Foliage is scale-like, in flat, fan-shaped sprays resembling a miniature Thuja (arborvitae), bright green to dark green in summer, transforming to rich bronze-purple to copper-brown in winter — one of the most dramatic seasonal color changes among conifers. The winter bronzing is triggered by cold temperatures and reverses to green in spring. Branches are fine-textured, graceful, layered in overlapping tiers. Growth rate is slow to moderate at 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) laterally per year. Discovered in 1921 on the Sikhote-Alin mountain range in far eastern Russia (Primorsky Krai) by Soviet botanist Ivan Shishkin. Remained unknown to Western horticulture until the 1960s-1970s. Extremely cold-hardy — native to above treeline in subarctic mountains. One of the few conifers that performs well in shade. Dioecious. Tiny cones rarely produced in cultivation. A Great Plant Picks recommendation. Essentially pest- and disease-free.

Native Range

Native to the Sikhote-Alin mountain range in Primorsky Krai, far eastern Russia, growing above treeline at 4,000-5,500 feet (1,200-1,700 m) elevation. Discovered in 1921. A monotypic genus — the only species.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a groundcover in shade or part shade, on slopes, in woodland gardens, and in foundation plantings where few other conifers perform well, spaced 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m) apart. The winter bronze-purple color adds interest to the winter shade garden. Excellent under deciduous trees — tolerates root competition and low light. Effective cascading over walls. A Great Plant Picks recommendation. The fine texture contrasts well with broad-leaved shade plants. One of the best conifer groundcovers for shade.

How to Identify

Identified by low, flat, spreading habit, flat fan-shaped sprays of fine scale-like foliage (resembling miniature Thuja), bright green summer color transforming to rich bronze-purple in winter, and gracefully arching branch tips. Distinguished from Juniperus groundcovers by flat, fan-shaped (not rounded or needle-type) foliage sprays and dramatic winter bronzing. Distinguished from Thuja by prostrate (not upright) habit. The seasonal green-to-bronze color change is diagnostic.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6" - 1'6"

Width/Spread6' - 12'

Reaches mature size in approximately 10 years

Colors

Flower Colors

green

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~2 weeks

Spring

Tiny cones rarely produced in cultivation and not ornamentally significant. The ornamental value is in the spreading evergreen form with seasonal color change.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Inconspicuous (cones rarely produced)

Foliage Description

Bright green (summer), bronze-purple to copper-brown (winter)

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Partial Shade

Full Shade

Requires 2-6 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.0 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loamsand

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-5 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water regularly during the first growing season. Established plants are moderately drought-tolerant. Plant in part shade to full shade for best performance — one of the few conifers that performs well in shade. Tolerates full sun in cool climates but may brown or thin in hot, dry, sunny conditions. Prefers moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral soil. Extremely cold-hardy. Essentially pest- and disease-free. A Great Plant Picks recommendation.

Pruning

Minimal pruning needed. Remove dead branches. The flat, spreading form develops naturally. Do not shear. The graceful layered habit and arching branch tips are the ornamental features.

Pruning Schedule

early spring

Maintenance Level

very low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 10 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic