Siberian Cypress
Microbiota decussata · Cupressaceae
📷 epopov · CC BY 4.0
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around siberian cypress and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, flattened scales blue-green
- Mature size
- 0.5 to 1 m in height, 1.5 to 2 m spread
- Growth
- Slow to moderate
- Hardiness
- Down to -40°C, very cold-resistant
- Origin
- Mountains of eastern Siberia and Russian Far East
- Soil type
- Well-drained, slightly acidic, tolerant
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Perfect in shady or semi-shady conditions, very hardy and self-sufficient. Water only during prolonged dry spells (more than 3 weeks without rain).
The common mistake
Don't add fertilizer or compost: this excellent conifer from cold zones doesn't need any of it and will get leggy.
The pro's trick
Reduce watering in September to enhance the bronze winter tones of the foliage.
Care
Exposure
Install your Siberian microbiota in semi-shaded to sunny conditions (at least 3 to 4 hours of direct light). It adapts well to partial shade, especially in warm regions. Protect it from harsh winter winds that can desiccate its foliage.
Watering
Water regularly during the first year to promote establishment, then gradually reduce. Once established, it is very frugal. Keep the soil slightly moist in summer, but avoid standing water which would promote root rot.
Soil and drainage
Prefer well-drained soil, slightly acidic to neutral. Adding organic matter at planting improves structure. Avoid overly chalky or compacted soils where it would deteriorate. Light mulching retains moisture without suffocating the roots.
Pruning
No strict pruning necessary. This conifer grows naturally in a compact, spreading form. You can remove dead wood or poorly oriented branches in spring to maintain an attractive shape.
Fertilizer
Moderate application of conifer fertilizer in spring is sufficient. Avoid excessive feeding which would make the plant too vigorous and less hardy. Plantings in rich soil generally require no additional fertilizer.
Diseases and pests
Very rarely attacked. The main threats are root rot in case of excess moisture and sometimes spider mites in dry conditions. Good air circulation and correct drainage prevent most problems.
Did you know?
Siberian microbiota is remarkably resistant to the extreme cold conditions of Siberia, surviving temperatures well below those encountered by most conifers grown in Europe. Its foliage changes slightly in winter, taking on bronze-copper tones, which provides ornamental interest even during the cold season.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.