About
Platycladus orientalis 'Conspicua' is a form of the oriental thuja producing the characteristic flat, vertical sprays of scale-like foliage of the species in a distinctive, ornamental selection. A rewarding conifer for a well-drained, sunny garden.
About the genus
Platycladus orientalis, the oriental thuja, is an evergreen, conical conifer with small, scale-like leaves in flat, vertical sprays and small, grey, hooked-scaled cones. Popular as a specimen or hedging conifer in sunny, well-drained gardens.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHNeutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeFerns, Houseplants
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesHouseplants, Patio and container plants
Native toEastern Australia
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a heated greenhouse or conservatory but out of direct sunlight. Grow epiphytically on bark or wood to recreate the natural environment of growing on trees, using an equal mix of coarse leaf mould, loam, and charcoal in bright filtered light and hight humidity. In growth, water freely, mist daily, and feed monthly. Do not allow roots to dry out. Benefits from occasional immersion of the entire root ball in water for several minutes and then drained. Water sparingly in winter. See how to grow ferns as houseplants for further advice
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by replanting plantlets or through spores
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free