Oriental arborvitae (Platycladus orientalis 'Elegantissima')

Overview

The Platycladus orientalis ‘Elegantissima’, widely known as Oriental arborvitae, is a visually appealing needled evergreen highly valued for its dense, evolving foliage structure. This cultivar provides year-round interest, transforming from scale-like yellowish-green sprays in summer to attractive bronze tones as the weather cools. It adapts well to various screening applications, growing into a conical or narrow pyramidal shrub.

The Oriental arborvitae fills a critical niche as a vertical accent or dependable border plant in the landscape. While specimens can eventually grow tall near their upper limit, most cultivated forms remain manageable shrubs, making them excellent choices when height control is necessary. Its compact nature, especially in younger specimens, ensures density suitable for creating uniform screens.

Gardeners seeking reliable structure combined with seasonal color shifts will appreciate the Platycladus orientalis ‘Elegantissima’. It requires medium maintenance but offers a strong visual return, particularly praised for its ability to handle partial shade while maintaining good color. Ensure proper siting to maximize its visual impact throughout the cold months.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Cupressaceae
• Plant Type: Needled evergreen
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-9
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 10-15 ft
  • Spread: 6-10 ft
• Bloom Time: Non-flowering
• Bloom Description: Non-Flowering
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

For best results when planting Platycladus orientalis ‘Elegantissima’, choose a location with fertile, medium-moisture, well-drained soil. While full sun is ideal for maximizing foliage coloration, this Oriental arborvitae tolerates some light afternoon shade, which can be beneficial during intense summer heat. Planting should ideally occur in spring or early fall to allow the root system to establish before extreme temperatures arrive.

Consistent cultural care is essential for establishing a healthy specimen. Water plants regularly, especially during periods of hot or dry weather, as regular moisture aids overall vigor. Good air circulation is appreciated by this species, which helps mitigate potential fungal issues. If you live in the northern limits of USDA Zone 5, take precautions as winter hardiness may not be reliably maintained there.

Be mindful of site selection regarding severe weather; in regions like the St. Louis area, it is advised to site plants in locations that offer protection from the strongest, drying winter winds. Pruning is generally light, focused mainly on removing dead wood or shaping if used formally as a hedge, though the natural conical form is often left untrimmed.

Landscape Uses

The robust structure of Platycladus orientalis ‘Elegantissima’ makes it an outstanding choice for foundational planting and privacy screening. Its ability to grow into a dense, conical form means it functions perfectly when planted in succession to create an evergreen hedge that screens unwanted views throughout the year. As a background screen, it provides dark green texture that allows brighter foreground plants to stand out.

Beyond functional uses, the golden-tinged foliage allows this cultivar to serve effectively as a standalone accent against structures or mixed borders. Its upright habit means it doesn’t sprawl, making it suitable for defined beds where space is moderately limited. Consider pairing this evergreen with deciduous shrubs that offer strong fall color, creating a vibrant contrast next to the bronzing foliage of the Oriental arborvitae in autumn.

Standout Features

Noteworthy Characteristics

The species, Platycladus orientalis (oriental thuja), commonly grows as a dense, conical tree reaching 18-25’ tall or as a large shrub, often opening up with age. Its scale-like leaves emerge yellowish-green, darkening with age and potentially bronzing in winter, complemented by small, oval cones. The cultivar ‘Elegantissima’ maintains a conical to narrow pyramidal shape, reaching about 15’ tall, distinguished by its scale-like golden yellow foliage that matures to yellow-green before acquiring beautiful bronze winter tones.

Tolerances

• Tolerates some light afternoon shade

Potential Problems

Healthy, well-established Platycladus orientalis ‘Elegantissima’ generally resists serious issues, provided they are sited correctly. However, gardeners should monitor for common pests like bagworms and spider mites, which can affect overall appearance. Less frequently, scales, aphids, caterpillars, borers, and mealybugs may appear. A structural concern specific to many upright evergreens is branch breakage caused by heavy snow accumulation in winter, so gentle brushing may be necessary after storms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Oriental arborvitae suitable for?

The Oriental arborvitae, Platycladus orientalis ‘Elegantissima’, is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 9.

How large does Platycladus orientalis ‘Elegantissima’ grow?

This variety typically matures to a height between 10 and 15 feet, with a spread ranging from 6 to 10 feet, maintaining a dense, narrow pyramidal habit.

What sun exposure does Oriental arborvitae need?

This needled evergreen performs best in full sun but is adaptable enough to tolerate partial shade, thriving in locations receiving full sun to part shade exposures.

When does Platycladus orientalis ‘Elegantissima’ bloom?

This plant is classified as non-flowering, meaning it does not produce noticeable blooms, though it does produce small oval cones.

Conclusion

The Platycladus orientalis ‘Elegantissima’ offers reliable four-season structure, distinguished by its seasonal foliage color transition ideal for screening or hedging purposes. As a versatile, medium-maintenance shrub, the Oriental arborvitae is a fantastic backbone element in many garden designs. Before planting, confirm that your garden falls within USDA Zones 5-9 and provide deep, regular watering during establishment.

Companion Planting

When designing borders utilizing the Platycladus orientalis ‘Elegantissima’ as a backdrop, contrast its upright, fine texture with broad-leaved deciduous plants. Consider pairing it with plants that offer bright red or burgundy fall color, such as certain varieties of Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum), to dramatically highlight the winter bronze of the evergreen foliage. Because the sun requirements overlap well, underplanting with shade-tolerant perennials like Hosta cultivars or Astilbe provides mid-layer interest without competing significantly for light. Matching the medium water needs of the Oriental arborvitae with companion shrubs, such as Hydrangeas that prefer dappled light, ensures balanced irrigation management across the planting bed.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Spring is the ideal time for early season assessment and cleanup for your Oriental arborvitae. Remove any winter debris caught in the lower branches, and gently inspect for any snow damage that may require minor corrective pruning. During the summer months, the most critical task is consistent watering, particularly in high heat, as established plants still need deep, medium moisture. For container-grown specimens, hydration may be daily. As winter approaches, particularly in Zone 5, ensure plants are adequately hydrated before the ground freezes hard; this helps prevent desiccation, which can stress the foliage already turning bronze on the Platycladus orientalis ‘Elegantissima’.