'Morgan' Oriental Arborvitae (Platycladus orientalis)

When dwarf conifer hobbiests visit one another’s gardens, they discover new plants, some which later show up in their own landscape. Morgan oriental arborvitae (Platycladus orientalis ‘Morgan’) has become very popular among collectors living in the southeast and mid-Atlantic regions.

Morgan arb is a fairly slow-growing, typically 5 inches or less per year. It provides year-round interest, as foliage color changes with the seasons. The sprays of lovely chartreuse foliage are layered vertically, offering up a different textural look. The summery lime green, scale-like foliage takes on a purplish to bronze tint in the frigid winter; the more typical chartreuse color returns as springtime nears.

Morgan arb is safely winter hardy to USDA hardiness zone 6 and rated as borderline in zone 5 where it requires protection from drying cold winter winds. The vertical pads may split apart from heavy snow and ice and are best tied up with wire or soft twine.

Morgan arb thrives in full sun to partial shade. It becomes heat and drought tolerant after a 2-year establishment period. It is a good evergreen and textural choice planted in a large patio/deck sized container or part of a foundation planting.

Grow Morgan arb in a rich well-drained garden soil or potting media. Feed with a slow release fertilizer specific for evergreens such as Hollytone™ or Schultz™ Evergreen products applied in late winter before spring growth begins.