The Oriental Arborvitae is an evergreen tree with dense foliage that is in flattened, vertical sprays. It is one of the most widely grown conifers in temperate regions. It is a tough, durable plant with attractive foliage and curious, ornamental seed cones that are light bluish-gray with curved scales. It is commonly called Oriental thuja or Oriental arborvitae. Platycladus orientalis is native to China, Korea and the Russian Far East. It typically grows as a dense, conical to columnar tree to 18-25’ tall. Also grows as a large shrub. Plants tend to open up with age. Scale-like yellowish-green leaves in flattened sprays in youth, becoming darker green with age. Foliage may bronze up in winter. Oval cones (to 3/4” long). Reddish-brown bark. Thuja orientalis is a synonym of this species.

Grow in fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates some light afternoon shade. Appreciates good air circulation. Water plants regularly in hot and dry weather. Healthy, well-maintained plants sited in proper growing environments usually have few major problems. Garden Uses. Specimen. Hedge. Foundations. Hardy in zones 6-9.