SCIENTIFIC NAME: Platycadus orientalis 'Morgan' (formerly Thuja)

COMMON NAME: Morgan Chinese Arborvitae

GARDEN SIZE: 3-4 feet tall by 2-3 feet wide in ten years if left in natural form

GROWTH RATE: Slow (up to 3-6 inches 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): Dense, broad upright to compact conical

FOLIAGE: Evergreen; Lemon yellow scale-like needles; turns a rich orange in the winter months

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: Hedges, specimen plantings