Among dwarf conifer collectors, ‘Morgan’ Oriental arborvitae (Platycladus orientalis) has become one of the most sought out evergreens over the past decade. Its oval form and seasonal coloration makes Morgan a standout. It performs well in part sun, but its chartreuse-yellow foliage appears more vibrant in direct sunlight. Its dense foliage grows in vertical layers.
Andy Pulte at the University of Tennessee classifies Morgan arborvitae as a “chameleon”. By late fall a purplish tinge has bled into the foliage and has turned to coppery orange by late winter. Early spring warm temperatures will force new growth and a return to the chartreuse-yellow coloration.
Morgan has a long garden life and a slow 2-4 inch growth rate per annum. Plant in well-drained compost-rich soil and space a minimum of 3-5 feet away from other shrubs and perennials.
Irrigate and fertilize Morgan during the first two years to insure its longevity. Acid-based water-soluble fertilizers such as slow-release Hollytone® are good products. Read and follow package directions.
Morgan arborvitae adds four-seasons interest and is a perfect fit into any small garden or container (zone 6 and further south). Once considered a collectors’ only plant, Morgan is finding its way into mainstream nursery commerce. Morgan arborvitae adds four-season interest and is a perfect fit into any small garden.
Zones 5-8
3-5' h x 2-4' w
Full Sun