This prostrate fine textured evergreen shrub from the mountains of southeastern Siberia resembles junipers in shape but has sprays of foliage resembling those of arborvitae. The leaves are scale-like and held close to the stem. In the spring they bright green turning dark green in summer and then bronze when cold weather arrives. This bronze color can be quite dark brown so the plant may look dead to the casual eye. The plant grows up to twenty inches tall and has graceful down tipped stems. It spreads slowly and can produce a mat up to twelve feet wide so is a good choice for a ground cover, foundation plantings, raised planters, wall plantings, and embankments. It tolerates some wind, drought, and shade so is a good substitute for junipers that needs full sun.
Type: Evergreen shrub
Outstanding Features: Great hardiness; shade tolerance
Form: Prostrate, speading
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Bloom: Not significant
Size: 12-20″ H x 6-12′ W
Light: Part sun to part shade
Soil: Average, moist, well-drained; does not tolerate wet soil
Hardiness: Zones 3-8
Care: Shear annually to encourage bushiness
Pests and Diseases:None of significance
Propagation: Seed; semi-hard cuttings in summer.
Karen Meyers