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- Full Shade to Full Sun (Can Grow In Most Sunlight Conditions)
- Mature Height 10 - 12 Inches
- Mature Spread 8 - 10 Feet
- Growing Zones 2 - 8
Try the Russian cypress for an evergreen groundcover alternative to juniper cultivars. Unlike junipers, the Russian Cypress offers some shade tolerance and the needles turn from a bright green in summer to a darker green before developing a striking bronze-purple tone in fall. The shrub’s foliage is feathery and soft-textured. This plant, known scientifically as Microbiota decussata, is sometimes also called the Siberian cypress or Russian arborvitae.
As an evergreen groundcover, the Russian Cypress is an excellent choice to control erosion on slopes or replace tough-to-mow areas of a yard. With its fall coloration, it makes a striking contrast when planted in combination with other evergreens. It is low maintenance and native to the mountains of southern Siberia. Use it as a groundcover under trees or in rock gardens. It is not attractive to deer and tolerates thin and acidic soils.
Russian Cypress Care
The Russian cypress can tolerate more shade than most groundcover junipers but still prefers full sun to part shade. The best soil is moist but well-drained. Work ample compost into the site if it is dry or has a high clay content. Spreading a rapidly-decomposing organic mulch around the base of a new planting will encourage establishment. Since the Russian cypress tolerates poor soils well, yearly fertilization is not required. Plan to water weekly during establishment and during extended drought in following years.
The Russian cypress generally needs no pruning to maintain an attractive form. However, it can be pruned if desired, as this plant is often a solid addition to Asian-inspired gardens. Perform any major annual pruning in early spring before the plant begins to green up. Snip off branch tips to shape the plant and encourage bushier growth.
Russian Cypress Spacing
This dwarf ground cover grows no more than about a foot tall but slowly achieves a spread of up to twelve feet. Space plants about four to six feet apart in a staggered way to create a mass planting or solid ground cover quickly. To keep individual plants looking separate or in a planting with mixed species, give this plant six feet of space all around.
Russian Cypress Information
| USDA Hardiness Zones: 2 - 8 |
| Plant Type: Bushes |
| Light Exposure: Full Shade to Full Sun (Can Grow In Most Sunlight Conditions) |
| Mature Height: 10 - 12 feet |
| Mature Spread: 8 - 10 Feet |
| Spacing: 8 - 10 Feet |
| Habit: Spreading, Trailing |
| Flower Color(s): None |
| Flower Description: |
| Bloom Period: |
| Foliage Type: Evergreen |
| Foliage Color(s): Green |
| Foliage Description: |
| Seasonal Interest: 4 Season Interest |
| Watering: Average |
| Resists: Deer |
| Tolerates: Drought |
| Attracts: Birds, Hummingbirds |
| Container Role: |
| Uses: Borders, Groundcovers, Mass Planting, Wildlife Gardens |
| Features: Deadheading Not Necessary, Foliage Interest, Low Maintenance, Award Winner |
| Brand: |
| Common Name: Russian Cypress |
| Other Name(s): |
| Scientific Name: MICROBIOTA DECUSSATA |
- SKU:
- 1231000253-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
4.5" Pot
Also Know As:
4.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts
Quart Pot
Also Know As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
2.5 Quart
Also Know As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
#1 Pot
Also Know As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
#2 Pot
Also Know As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
#3 Pot
Also Know As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addict Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.