Creeping Siberian Cypress - Microbiota decussata

Microbiota decussata is a small, spreading, prostrate conifer that closely resembles a creeping juniper. Native to Siberia, it thrives in any conditions and succeeds in the most difficult conditions. It bears pendulous branches and forms flat clusters of scale-like yellow-green leaves, which turn a beautiful bronze colour in winter. Its growth is slow but regular, and it eventually forms an excellent ground cover, useful in rock gardens or on steep slopes. Extremely hardy and drought-resistant, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It can even tolerate poor and chalky soil.

Microbiota decussata is known as the "Siberian creeping cypress". This conifer is endemic to a very restricted area limited to the Sikhote-Alin Mountains in the Russian Far East. It belongs to the cypress family, which includes related species such as cypresses and chamaecyparis. It has a compact and spreading habit, reaching 45 cm (17.7 in) high and 2 m to 4 m (6.6 ft to 13.1 ft) wide after many years. This species is adapted to the harshest temperatures and climates, as well as arid areas. The spreading and arching branches resemble fern fronds. They sometimes root on the ground, allowing the plant to colonise a large surface area. Its evergreen foliage consists of scale-like leaves 2 m to 4 m (6.6 ft to 13.1 ft) long, which are overlapping and arranged flat on the branches. From spring to autumn, the foliage has a light green to yellowish colour, gradually turning bronze (sometimes tinged with red in cold climates) in winter. Its pale brown cones are tiny, measuring only 2 mm to 3 mm (0.08 in to 0.1 in) long and each containing a single fertile seed.

Microbiota decussata is an extraordinary conifer. It is highly adaptable and can conquer the most challenging areas of the garden, as long as they are sunny. It is a great choice for a dry garden, on a steep slope, among rocks, above a wall, or on top of a low wall. It blends well with geometric lines and masonry works. It can be planted near a water feature, cascading down a rocky slope. It also adapts well to container gardening. The visual qualities of conifers naturally stand out in the design of a contemporary garden, which favours the aesthetics of shapes, silhouettes, and textures over the delicacy of flowers. These plants add permanence to the structure of a flowerbed. Microbiota decussata is also a perfect alternative to trimmed boxwood, and can be used to mark pathways or border a terrace. It also pairs well with tousled grasses like stipa, or heathers (Erica x darleyensis, Erica multiflora). The key is to play with volumes and colours until you find the right look.

Discovered in 1923, the existence of this species remained unknown to the Western world for 50 years due to the isolation and secretive policies of the former USSR.