Overview
Platycladus orientalis is a conical,compact,slow-growing conifers in the genus Platycladus, part of the Cupressaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Platycladus orientalis grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include specimen plant, rockery and border.
About
Platycladus orientalis, commonly known as oriental thuja, is an evergreen tree belonging to the Cupressaceae family. It typically has a conical, compact, and slow-growing habit, with small, scale-like leaves arranged in flat, vertical sprays. This cultivar thrives in full sun and can be grown in a variety of soil types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, provided the soil is moist but well-drained. Hardy to UK zone H6, it is suitable as a specimen plant, in rockeries, or borders, and is especially notable for its winter interest.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Platycladus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Platycladus orientalis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Conifers, Shrubs
- Habit
- Conical,Compact,Slow-growing
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Specimen plant, Rockery, Border
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Platycladus orientalis
- Propagation
- Seed,Softwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Platycladus orientalis?
Platycladus orientalis prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Platycladus orientalis need?
Platycladus orientalis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Platycladus orientalis hardy in the UK?
Platycladus orientalis has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Platycladus orientalis?
Seed,Softwood cuttings.
More in the Platycladus genus
- Platycladus orientalis 'Collen's Gold'
- Platycladus orientalis 'Elegantissima Aurea Nana'
- Platycladus orientalis 'Filiformis Erecta'
- Platycladus orientalis 'Golden Rocket'
- Platycladus orientalis 'Green Cone'
- Platycladus orientalis 'Madurodam'
- Platycladus orientalis 'Sanderi'