Platycladus orientalis 'Aurea Nana'

Dwarf Golden Arborvitae, Berckman Dwarf Arborvitae
Cupressaceae
Shrubs

PLATYCLADUS

Native to northern China, Manchuria, and Korea. The species grows 25 ft. tall and 15 ft. wide but is rarely grown; nurseries offer more attractive, shrubbier selections. Juvenile leaves are feathery and needlelike; mature leaves are flat and scalelike, carried in irregularly arranged sprays. Foliage is green or yellowish green, may take on bronze tones in winter. Upright cones to 3/4 in. long start off gray blue and age to brown; pleasant-smelling when crushed.

Widely used around foundations, by doorways or gates, in formal rows.

Protect plants from reflected heat of light-colored walls or pavement.

In Rocky Mountains, grows best in partial shade; shade during winter is especially helpful. Needs well-drained soil. Blight of leaves and twigs in Northwest is easily controlled by copper sprays applied in early fall and by pruning out and destroying diseased growth. Has survived well in nematode-infested soils. Watch for spider mites.

'Aurea Nana'

Golden-foliaged, compact globe. Usually 3 ft. tall and 2 ft. wide but can grow as high as 5 ft.