Alternative to Junipers

While these are fabulous plants to structure a design around, consider taking a walk on the wild side with the Russian cypress (Microbiota decussata). Some nurseries will use the alternative name, such as Siberian cypress or Russian arborvitae.

As the common name implies, it is a plant native to cold regions of the Asian continent. It was first discovered in Vladivostok, Russia, in 1921 in the mountains above the tree line, where trees are too cold to grow. While our winters don't get anywhere near as cold as this region, a good number of plants cannot survive in our USDA Zone 5-6 (think of Crapemyrtle, also a plant from the Asian continent).

But there are more attributes to this plant other than its cold hardiness. To the untrained eye, it looks and behaves much like groundcover junipers. At most, it grows about one foot in height, but with a very large spread. Some reports have them growing out to 15 feet. It is a bit slower grower than some juniper species but can be an excellent groundcover alternative.

The foliage on arching branches appears feathery (not as coarse as groundcover junipers, almost a lacey-like look). The dark green needles will turn a purplish-bronze in the winter months. It will withstand partial shade but performs best in sunny areas with well-drained soils.