Microbiota decussata
( mi - kro - bi - O - ta day - koo - SAH - ta )
At-A-Glance Information
This species of evergreen shrub, commonly called Siberian Carpet Cypress, Celtic Pride or Russian Arbor-Vitae, is native to the Siberian Mountains and does best in zones A3, 1-10 and 14-17 (to find your zone, click here: Zone Map). They need partial shade in warmer climates and moderate water for best performance. These ground-huggers have a neat, sprawling habit and reach 1.5 feet tall and 7-8 feet wide. Branches are horizontal and trailing. Foliage is green in summer, purple-bronze or reddish-brown in wintertime. Great as a bank cover. Variety 'Fuzz Ball' has a softer texture, especially on its newer growth and reaches 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide. Microbiota is a monotypic genus in the plant family Cupressaceae, and it contains only one species. The genus name is derived from the words micro- (meaning small) and -biota (the genus name for closely-related conifer species Biota orientalis).
|
Caring for and pruning Microbiota decussata shrubs
Plant these shrubs in full sun to partial shade (6 hours or more per day of direct sun is recommended) in an area of the garden that has excellent drainage. These shrubs need a good amount of water to perform well, but are also considered to be drought tolerant (if they need to be). A good rule of thumb is to deep water these shrubs at the base when the top inch of soil feels dry, saturating the soil so that it becomes wet at least 6 inches down. Provide shelter from high afternoon temperatures and too many hours of direct sun; these elements will burn the plant and damage foliage. Mulch around the bottom of the plant to increase soil moisture retention.
Fertilizing these shrubs is not a necessity, though they may benefit from a feeding in early springtime before new growth begins to push out. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer, following the instructions on the label. If you have rich soil, you can skip fertilizing altogether. Pruning should be completed in early springtime around the time fertilizing is applied. Annual prunings will encourage a bushier habit. Cut away damaged or overgrown areas at this time, and give the entire shrub a little haircut to encourage new growth to push out.
Fertilizing these shrubs is not a necessity, though they may benefit from a feeding in early springtime before new growth begins to push out. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer, following the instructions on the label. If you have rich soil, you can skip fertilizing altogether. Pruning should be completed in early springtime around the time fertilizing is applied. Annual prunings will encourage a bushier habit. Cut away damaged or overgrown areas at this time, and give the entire shrub a little haircut to encourage new growth to push out.
Propagation
The most straightforward way to propagate these shrubs is via taking cuttings and rooting them. For information on how to complete this process, read over the instructions below:
Propagating Microbiota decussata by Cutting
Propagating Microbiota decussata by Cutting
- Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand.
- In spring or early summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
- Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth on your propagated Abutilon, you'll know you have roots.
- Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new shrub.
Problems and Pests
These shrubs are generally pest and disease-free, however they can suffer from issues with Root Rot if drainage is not excellent.
Gallery
Videos
An informational video on this great species.
|
How to identify Russian Arborvitae.
|
See Microbiota decussata featured in this video about low-maintenance groundcovers.
|
All about Siberian Cypress plants.
|
Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 443, Microbiota decutassa
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!