SCIENTIFIC NAME: Platycadus orientalis 'Franky Boy' (formerly Thuja)

COMMON NAME: Franky Boy Chinese Arborvitae

GARDEN SIZE: 4-6 feet tall by 3-4 feet wide if left in natural form

GROWTH RATE: Slow (up to 3-6inches per year under ideal conditions)

USDA ZONE: 5-8

EXPOSURE: Full to Part Sun (4 or more hours of sun per day, ideally light afternoon shade)

WATER & SOIL: Average, well-drained soil; will need additional water in times of drought

HABIT (FORM): upright tear drop shape with mildly pendulous, finely-textured foliage

FOLIAGE: Evergreen; Green scale-like needles with chartreuse and yellow new growth which turns bronze in winter

PLANT ORIGIN: Northern and northwestern China

FERTILIZING: Feed in spring and fall with acidic organic fertilizer.

PRUNING: Minimal shearing required. Hand pruning is preferred. Late winter or early summer is best.

TOXICITY: Mildly toxic to people, dogs, cats, and horses if ingested. The aromatic foliage may cause digestive upset, and sap may irritate sensitive skin.

USES: Accent plant, foundation planting, borders