Oriental arborvitae

Frost Tolerance: Hardy to 10°F (-12°C)

Heat Tolerance: Better with afternoon shade, avoid reflected heat, ample water during the summer in the low-deserts

Sun Exposure: Full sun to light shade

Origin: Probably China

Growth Habits: Evergreen tree or large shrub, slow growing, 3 to 25 feet tall (0.9-7.5 m), 2 to 12 feet (0.6-3.6 m) wide depending on the variety; small scale-like mature leaves, 0.04 inch long (1 mm), scented when bruised, arranged in vertical planes; juvenile leaves are more needle-like

Watering Needs: Regular water, pretty adaptable, but doesn't like boggy sites

Propagation: Seeds, cuttings

Propagation: Cutting or occasionally seed, layering

• by hardwood stem tip cuttings, in spring. Apply IBA Quick Dip 5000 PPM. Use intermittent mist. Root in 8-12 weeks. Wound cuttings..
• by layers.
• by seeds, in spring. Germinates at 68 degrees F. The seeds can be harvested in early autumn. The seeds need 40F for 2mo.. The usual germination temperature is 68 degrees F.

Some varities:
'Nana Berkman' - golden-tinted foliage, 4 feet tall (1.2 m).
'Aureus Nanus' - golden-tinted foliage, up to 10 feet tall (3 m) generally shorter.
'Baker' - dense, conical, up to 8 feet tall (2.4 m).
'Juniperoides' - blue gray, up to 3 feet tall (90 cm).
'Elegantissima' - up to 12-15 feet (3.6-4.5 m).

Fruiting Habits:
Monoecious, the female cones are woody and bluish when mature.

Culture:
Prune and fertilize in late winter.
The Oriental arborvitae is sensitive to spider mite.

Propagation:
The seeds need to be stratified in a moist medium, at 40°F (4°C) during 2 months. Hardwood or softwood cuttings are relatively easy at any time of the year.