Microbiota decussata

Microbiota

Microbiota decussata

A low, spreading evergreen conifer grown as a groundcover shrub, with soft, feathery, bright green foliage arranged in flat sprays that resembles arborvitae but has a more flowing, layered habit. In fall and winter, the foliage shifts to bronze-purple, coppery bronze, or reddish tones, adding strong seasonal interest. Branch tips nod downward, which helps give it a softer look than creeping junipers. 

Type: Evergreen shrub / groundcover conifer
Mature Size: 3–12' wide x 6–18" high
USDA Zones: 3a–7b
Form: Low, spreading, mat-forming, with nodding branch tips
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil / Water: Average to moist, well-drained soil; moderate water
Bloom Time / Length: Non-flowering; valued for year-round foliage and winter color
Wildlife: Deer resistant; mainly valued for cover and erosion control rather than pollinator use. 

Features & Landscape Uses: Excellent for banks, slopes, rock gardens, borders, foundations, and as a groundcover where a tough, low evergreen is needed. It is more shade tolerant than groundcover junipers and is often used as an alternative to them. It also works well for erosion control and winter interest. 

Care: Plant in full sun to part shade in moist but well-drained soil. It performs best in cool-summer climates and tends to struggle in hot, humid areas or in poorly drained sites. Pruning is usually unnecessary, and maintenance is low once established. Root rot can develop in overly wet soils. 

 

Plant type

Conifer, Groundcover

Height

6-15"

Width

3-12"

Hardiness zones

3–7

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Slow

Bloom time

Does not flower

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Soil

Average, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Erosion control mass planting, Erosion control slopes, Foundation Plant

Shape

Low Spreading

Bark

Exfoliating

Fruit

Yes

Drought tolerant

No