Chinese Arborvitae
Platycladus orientalis
Also listed as Thuja orientalis, Biota orientalis
Also known as Oriental Arborvitae, Oriental Thuja, Chinese Thuja
Climate Match for your location
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A narrow, columnar evergreen conifer with soft, scale-like foliage that turns bronze or brown in winter. It is highly drought-tolerant once established and works well as a windbreak or accent plant.
Why grow it
Chinese arborvitae offers a narrow, columnar form that occupies less horizontal space than many drought-tolerant conifers, making it useful for tight windbreaks or screening rows. It tolerates poor, compacted, and alkaline soils better than many evergreen alternatives, and requires minimal water once established, reducing maintenance in drier climates. The winter color shift to bronze or brown provides seasonal visual interest without requiring a species change.
Watch out for
Young plants benefit from consistent moisture during establishment (typically the first growing season) despite the species' eventual drought tolerance. In very humid or poorly drained sites, it may develop fungal issues, so ensure adequate air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Dense growth can trap debris and dead foliage inside the canopy, requiring occasional light pruning to maintain plant health.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Cupressaceae
Native Range
China
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A narrow, columnar evergreen conifer with soft, scale-like foliage that turns bronze or brown in winter. It is highly drought-tolerant once established and works well as a windbreak or accent plant.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Chinese Arborvitae grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Chinese arborvitae offers a narrow, columnar form that occupies less horizontal space than many drought-tolerant conifers, making it useful for tight windbreaks or screening rows. It tolerates poor, compacted, and alkaline soils better than many evergreen alternatives, and requires minimal water once established, reducing maintenance in drier climates. The winter color shift to bronze or brown provides seasonal visual interest without requiring a species change.
Watch out for
Young plants benefit from consistent moisture during establishment (typically the first growing season) despite the species' eventual drought tolerance. In very humid or poorly drained sites, it may develop fungal issues, so ensure adequate air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Dense growth can trap debris and dead foliage inside the canopy, requiring occasional light pruning to maintain plant health.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Cupressaceae
Native Range
China
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar sub-canopy trees you might consider:
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