Thujopsis dolabrata 'Variegata'
variegated Japanese false arborvitae
Cultivar of horticultural origin; species native to Japan at 980-6,600 feet (300-2,000 m)
Overview
Thujopsis dolabrata 'Variegata' is variegated hiba (variegated Japanese false arborvitae), an upright pyramidal evergreen coniferous tree growing 10-20 feet (3-6 m) tall and 6-12 feet (1.8-3.7 m) wide. Dark glossy green coarse scale-like foliage with irregular cream-white variegated patches in flat fan-shaped sprays; bold white butterfly-shaped stomatal markings on the underside. In Cupressaceae spp.. Variegata = variegated. Smaller than the species (20-50 feet / 6-15 m) due to reduced chlorophyll. Variegation is irregular and inconsistent — branches occasionally revert to all-green and should be removed to preserve the variegation. Same cultural requirements as the species: REQUIRES HIGH MOISTURE, deep shade tolerance, acidic soil, limited heat tolerance. The high water requirement is the primary limitation. Slow growth rate. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 5-8. Part shade to full shade. Growth rate is slow.
Native Range
Cultivar of horticultural origin. Species native to Japan (Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu) at 980-6,600 feet (300-2,000 m).Suggested Uses
Grown as a variegated specimen in shaded woodland gardens with consistent moisture, spaced 6-12 feet (1.8-3.7 m). Cream-white irregular variegation. Reverts occasionally — remove green branches. Not drought-tolerant. Non-toxic. Not suitable for containers. Zones 5-8.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height10' - 20'
Width/Spread6' - 12'
Reaches mature size in approximately 20 years
Bloom Information
Not applicable — conifer. Monoecious. Small dark red-brown male strobili in March-April, rarely produces cones.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Dark glossy green with irregular cream-white patches in the upper surface, scale-like in flat fan-shaped sprays; bold white butterfly-shaped stomatal markings on the underside (same as the species); the variegation pattern is irregular and inconsistent — some shoots are entirely cream-white, others nearly all greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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