Platycladus (Thuja) orientalis 'FRANKY BOY'

Franky Boy is an exquisite variety of oriental arborvitae from 1999. It is en evergreen conifer with charming, thread-like, linear branches covered with tiny scale-like leaves of bright yellow-green colour. They grow strictly upwards, and unless shaped or trimmed the side branches tend to weep slightly. In winter they gain bronze shades.

Thanks to plentiful of gentle branches, the shrub looks like a tuft of an ornamental grass, yet keeping its compact shape that will look elegant in any garden composition. We suggest combining it with plants of strikingly different foliage colour for best contrast.

oriental arborvitae is a trouble-free conifer which, once established, needs no maintenance at all. It grows slowly and may be pruned or trimmed in spring and late summer. It is quite soil tolerant but dislikes boggy locations and long-standing water. Just keep the soil moist after planting. It does well on exposed sites and is suitable for small, informal hedges. Not recommended for mountainous resorts with long-lasting frosts and heavy snow falls. Hardy to about -29°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 31-01-2012