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Not all gardeners may be familiar with Siberian cypress but this evergreen groundcover is enjoying an ever-increasing popularity due to its hardiness, insect and disease resistance. And to think it was only introduced to Western gardeners in the 1970s! Read on to learn more about this versatile shrub.
Siberian or Russian cypress, Microbiota decussata, is a relatively new introduction to our garden landscapes, but may well become the groundcover of choice for northern gardeners. Before we get into the specific attributes of the plant, a little botany and history on this plant might be appreciated. This conifer belongs to the family Cupressaceae and is somewhat closely related to junipers (Juniperus) and true cypress (Cupressus). In the wild, the plants hail from mountainous areas of eastern Siberia. Due to the remote location, this plant was not discovered until 1923. With all the secrecy between the former USSR and the western world, this plant only became known to the western world in the 1970s! Since its introduction to us, the plant has become increasingly popular.
The plant is quite low, generally between 20 and 50 cm but can spread up to 5 m. The foliage is evergreen and arranged in flattened sprays with scale-like leaves not unlike those found on Chamaecyparis. From a distance, this species looks much like a low-growing juniper. The cones are very small and rather insignificant. In fact, the female cones are the smallest of any conifer. Summer foliage is bright green but from late fall to mid-spring, plants turn purplish-brown. The winter colour provides a wonderful contrast in the winter garden, especially combined with heathers that have interesting winter foliage, golden-coloured conifers and ornamental grasses.
Close-up of the male and female cones.
This conifer is exceptionally hardy (zone 3 or sheltered areas of zone 2) and in the landscape, can easily rival the best spreading or creeping junipers. However, in my opinion, Siberian cypress surpass junipers since they do not suffer from the host of pests and diseases that plaque junipers. Full sun is best but they will tolerate more shade than junipers. They are not fussy as to the soil as long as it is well-drained and not too alkaline.
Siberian cypress produces overlapping sprays, lending a graceful appearance.
In the landscape they are premier choices for embankments, roadside medians and cascading over retaining walls. They are quite wind and salt tolerant so lend themselves wonderfully to coastal gardens. Their tolerance to drought makes them ideal choices for the mid-west where traditionally, junipers were the groundcover of choice.
Large mature Siberian cypress growing over a retaining wall and spilling over a pathway.
Unlike junipers which show tremendous variation in size, form and colour, Siberian cypress are remarkably consistent in habit and looks. So far only one cultivar has been selected. This one is called ‘Fuzz Ball' and has softer, fuzzier foliage than is typical of the species and a more compact, somewhat rounded habit, growing 30 cm by 100 cm. This selection would make an admirable conifer for the smaller garden.
So if you have a problem spot in a relatively open site and junipers are just not up to spec, then try growing Siberian cypress, the groundcover of the future!
About Todd Boland
I reside in St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada. I work as a research horticulturist at the Memorial University of Newfoundland Botanical Garden. I am one of the founding members of the Newfoundland Wildflower Society and the current chair of the Newfoundland Rock Garden Society. My garden is quite small but I pack it tight! Outdoors I grow mostly alpines, bulbs and ericaceous shrubs. Indoors, my passion is orchids. When not in the garden, I'm out bird watching, a hobby that has gotten me to some lovely parts of the world.
Posted by juno61 (from Davenport, IA) on December 06, 2008 at 01:16 PM:
I was looking for something to put on a steep hill (the whole front yard) and tried some creeping junipers. Out of 10 shrubs, only one was still viable a year later. Then I found Siberian Cypress - liked the looks, and the description of the growth habit sounded just about right. Planted four on a semi-shaded portion of my hillside, near the dripline of a maple tree. Unlike the juniper, these shrubs showed visible growth by the end of this summer and as a bonus, no mysterious sudden death of branches. They are less prickly than the juniper and have a nicer "drape". If they make it through the winter I will be ordering more. Thanks for a good article!
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Posted by Todd_Boland (from St. John's, NL) on December 06, 2008 at 08:36 PM:
I'd be surprised if any died...they are quite tough!
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Subject: Siberian Cypress
Posted by Tweetybadger (from Lady Lake, FL) on December 01, 2008 at 08:58 PM:
Are they hard to comtain, do they keep out weeds, how much water and are they expensive?
I live in Lady Lake, Florida 32159
Posted by Todd_Boland (from St. John's, NL) on December 02, 2008 at 07:10 AM:
I doubt they would be happy in as hot a climate as Florida. They are native to Siberia so are used to cold. They are more suitable as a replacement or alternative to creeping junipers which are plagued by many diseases. In regards to culture, essentially they are treated the same way as the low junipers and pruned in a similar manner. They are probably a little more expensive than junipers.
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Subject: Open air debate
Posted by Anicca (from Little Hocking, OH) on December 01, 2008 at 08:53 PM:
Re: a "personal e-mail to Todd," re:invasives:
I think it's great to expose the varying opinions to all. I'm glad it wasn't "personal." :)
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Subject: Siberian Cypress
Posted by qbs (from Mill Hall, PA) on December 01, 2008 at 03:15 PM:
Read the article by Todd Boland and am surprised that a horticulturist would recommend an "alien" plant. Pest free plants are only pest free because the native insects that normally feed on a native plant are unable to feed on an alien plant. Loss of insects means the loss of wildlife that feed on insects. Without native plants there will be no more butterflies and birds. Insects are a major part of the food chain. Many insects that may feed on a plant in it's juvenile stage becomes a pollinator as an adult. Without a pollinator there will be no food. Also an "alien" plant will become invasive and crowd out native plants...why?? Their natural pests do not live here. Mr Boland I recommend the book "Bringing Nature Home" by Douglas W. Tallmay.
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Posted by Todd_Boland (from St. John's, NL) on December 01, 2008 at 06:09 PM:
In response, I am sure that I am not the only horticulturist to recommend an alien plant. Our nursery and landscape industry would be severely restricted if they only dealt with natives. However, having said that, we do need to be aware of the potential of an 'exotic' species becoming a pest. Locally, I see yellow flag iris spreading along our waterways and displacing the native blue flag. I agree that we need to use more native plant material and I do recommend and give local talks empasizing the benefits of using natives. In fact, I am on our local Alien Invasive Plant Committee, so I am well versed on the concerns with using alien species in our landscapes. Living on an Island, our local flora is especially sensitive to invasion by alien species, be they plants or animals (the latter in particular have been particularly problematic).
I am also a plant breeder and in my breeding program, I select either improved forms of our native plants or if using alien species, ensure they are sterile hybrids. So, I am in fact, a responsible horticulturist.
In regards to Microbiota and being pest free, that species is relatively pest free in its native environment, NOT just in North America. There has been no evidence of that plant being particularly fecund with copious seed production. In the trade, the plant is grown asexually from cuttings due to the lack of seed production. In the wild, the plants native distribution is also restricted due to low seed production. So would Microbiota become an American invasive? Not likely.
I appreciate your opinion and agree with you in principle however, we (the horticultural industry and gardeners) need to find the balance between utilizing alien species and natives. Not all aliens are invasives. I love a constructive debate but it may have been more appropriate to dmail me personally about your concerns.
Sincerely,
Todd
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Posted by sliceTall (from Crawfordville, FL) on December 01, 2008 at 09:35 PM:
very well put Todd
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Posted by lortay (from Navan, Ireland) on December 03, 2008 at 08:32 AM:
Well argued, I don't think qbs need have any worries on Microbiota becoming a nuisance in the countryside for the reasons you give.
Micribiota decussata enjoyed a fairly brief 'fashion' here and in Britain about 10 years ago as a replacement for Junipers, which at that time were being killed wholesale by 'Juniper blight'.
Strangely, it never seems to have caught on and is not particularly common in the trade now. I am not sure why.
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Posted by Todd_Boland (from St. John's, NL) on December 03, 2008 at 11:35 AM:
Juniper blight has devastated those here too, yet sales of creeping juniper still exceed those of Microbiota..I can only assume that landscapers and ghardeners are not fond of the brownish winter colour as it may give the impression that the plant is dead....if we could only find a blue or yellow form of Microbiota!
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Posted by lortay (from Navan, Ireland) on January 22, 2009 at 10:41 AM:
Agreed, it could not be described as the most attractive conifer by any means.
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Posted by justwannagarden (from Cooksburg, PA) on February 20, 2009 at 10:46 PM:
Interesting! I was introduced to this plant last fall when I inquired about a tough conifer for dry shade. I love the rich green summer color and full foliage. I did raise an eyebrow when it started to brown in Nov/Dec, but now notice that it is a rather appealing sort of maroon. Very unusual in my raised conifer bed - and best of all, none of the deer or other wildlife seem to have even browsed it so far. My property borders a state forest TEEMING with wildlife (in northwest/cental PA). I'm definately going to get more of this tough and interesting plant. If anyone wants a photo, please advise and I'll figure out how to upload...
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Posted by abiff (from Albany, NY) on May 20, 2009 at 11:32 AM:
Have had Siberian Cypress ub ny shade garden (Z.4) for many years, but I notice that the center stem(s) are now denuded of foliage, though the outer fringe continues to grow and spread. Is there any technique/fertilizer (etc) to encourage more green growth in the center of the plant as it ages?
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Subject: Microbiota
Posted by Resin (from Northumberland, United Kingdom) on November 29, 2008 at 04:34 PM:
"and is somewhat closely related to junipers (Juniperus) and true cedars (Cupressus)"
Methinks you mean cypresses ;-) . . . cedars are Cedrus!
Genetically, the closest relative of Microbiota is Platycladus, it has even been suggested by one or two botanists that Microbiota could be included in Platycladus, though no-one has yet made the relevant new combination.
Close-up of the cones below.
Resin
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Posted by Todd_Boland (from St. John's, NL) on November 29, 2008 at 07:35 PM:
opps!
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Subject: Like them!
Posted by dragonfly53 (from (Terri) South Boston, VA) on November 29, 2008 at 09:55 AM:
Todd, I like the idea of growing the cypress! In your research did you find a mention of whether they are deer resistant or if they will do well in the heat of southern summers?
Terri
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Posted by Todd_Boland (from St. John's, NL) on November 29, 2008 at 04:05 PM:
I never think to mention deer resistance as there are no deer in my area. But yes, russian cypress is deer resistant. It does not like a lot of summer heat however, so if trying them in VA is would suggest afternoon shade.
