Siberian Cypress

If you wanted to find an evergreen that was incredibly cold-tolerant, and that would thrive in cool climates, Siberia would be an obvious place to look. Plucked from that bitterly-cold place, and growing there above the tree-line, the Siberian Cypress is one of the most cold-hardy evergreens available, and a fabulous groundcover for sunny banks, rock gardens, slopes and open woodland. It grows no more than 18 inches high, and can spread eventually as much as 12 feet across, with stems that lie on the ground, sending out leafy side shoots. The foliage, tiny leaves clinging flat to the young stems, looks somewhere between a cypress and an arborvitae, and sometimes it is called Russian Arborvitae, although it is distinct. The foliage is bright green from late spring through summer, and turns bronzy-purple during fall and winter, adding interest during the coldest months. Very easy to grow, durable, ridiculously hardy, and needing no attention, this under-used plant is a great alternative to the ‘usual suspects’ for groundcover everywhere except in deep shade. Being more shade tolerant, it’s a good alternative to spreading junipers in partial shade. It isn’t suitable for the southeast, or other places with hot, humid summers.

• Attractive spreading evergreen, 18 inches high and up to 12 feet across
• Excellent groundcover for banks, open woodland, rock gardens and edging shrub beds
• Green foliage turns purple-bronze in winter
• Very cold-hardy, to zone 3
• Not suitable for areas with hot, humid summers

Grow the Siberian Cypress in full sun, or with a little shade for a few hours of the day. Very easy to grow, hardy to zone 3, but zone 7 is the warmest possible in the east. Plant it in any kind of soil, from sand to clay and acidic or alkaline, but it should be well-drained. The soil should be moist, as this plant has only moderate tolerance of summer drought, and grows best in areas with cool, damp summers. Deer and rabbits leave it strictly alone, and it seems to never have any pest or disease problems. If the soil is too wet and poorly drained, root rot is possible. Normally needs no trimming, but could be lightly trimmed in late spring, after the first new growth.