'Morgan' oriental arborvitae in Knoxville, TN Garden

Among dwarf conifer collectors, ‘Morgan’ Oriental arborvitae (Platycladus orientalis) has become one of the most sought out evergreens over the past decade. Its oval form and seasonal coloration makes Morgan a standout. It performs well in part sun, but its chartreuse-yellow foliage appears more vibrant in direct sunlight. Its dense foliage grows in vertical layers.

Andy Pulte at the University of Tennessee, another conifer addict like myself, classifies Morgan arborvitae as a “chameleon”. By late fall a purplish tinge has bled into the foliage and has turned to coppery orange by late winter. Early spring warm temperatures will force new growth and a return to the chartreuse-yellow coloration.

Morgan has a long garden life and a slow 2-4 inch growth rate per annum. Plant in a well drained compost rich soil and space a minimum of 3-5 feet away from other shrubs and perennials.

Irrigate and fertilize Morgan during the first two years to insure its longevity. Acid-based water soluble fertilizers such as Miracle Gro™ or Miracid™, or slow- release Hollytone® are good products. Read and follow package directions.

Morgan arborvitae adds four-seasons interest and is a perfect fit into any small garden or container (zone 6 and further south). Once considered as a collectors’ only plant, Morgan is finding its way into mainstream nursery commerce. Morgan arborvitae adds four-season interest and is a perfect fit into any small garden.