No I haven't been beating my shrubs. While shopping this weekend I ran across this most interesting Arborvitae. It is Thuja plicata 'Whipcord'. I have never seen such a shrub before. I fell in love with it and my Dearly Beloved thought I should have it.
It has these long tendrils that almost look scaled. I just love the way it feels. Almost like braided leather. It is supposed to be glossy green during summer and have a broze cast in winter. I can't wati to see how it changes during the seasons. I can't hardly keep my hands off of it. I did long enough to get it planted though.
It sort of looks like it is a relative of the Munsters 'Thing'. It is so appropriate for this time of year don't you think? I have never grown anything like it. Has anyone else? The tag says it will tolerate some shade and it grows to zone 6. It should do well. I sure hope it takes.
It has these long tendrils that almost look scaled. I just love the way it feels. Almost like braided leather. It is supposed to be glossy green during summer and have a broze cast in winter. I can't wati to see how it changes during the seasons. I can't hardly keep my hands off of it. I did long enough to get it planted though. 
It sort of looks like it is a relative of the Munsters 'Thing'. It is so appropriate for this time of year don't you think? I have never grown anything like it. Has anyone else? The tag says it will tolerate some shade and it grows to zone 6. It should do well. I sure hope it takes.
Fascinating. I can see why you bought it, Lisa. Great texture.
ReplyDeleteIt is a very unique-looking shrub! Very unique. Will it go outside and survive your winter?
ReplyDeleteLisa, very textural looking. And so very unusual. I'm sure you will get much enjoyment out of it through all the seasons. DB is such a sweetie!
ReplyDeleteWonderful Lisa, a very unusual Thuja and one that I would like in my garden too. I hope it does well for you and gives you oodles of fun.
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful Lisa. Can't wait to see the color changes as well! :c)
ReplyDeleteI really like plants with that graceful, arching shape. I need to research it, but I'm pretty sure I'll find it isn't hardy in my area.
ReplyDeleteMarnie
Lisa-
ReplyDeleteAt first glance, it looks like some type of Carex. Up close though, it's texture is really magnificent....it reminds of 'gimp'...something you might not know about if you didn't grow up in at a certain time.
I have never heard of it. What are the dimensions at maturity? Thanks for sharing this unusual and delightful plant. Lucky you!! Fran
That's a cool plant! Will it get very tall?
ReplyDeleteLisa.....I am in love to....what an unusual and wonderful plant.....do post as it changes please.......
ReplyDeleteTeri, it is supposed to be hardy in my zone, 6. I bought it at a nursery an hours drive north of where I live so it should be hardy here as well.
ReplyDeleteFran and Ruthie, it is supposed to get 5'tall and 4'wide at maturity. It won't have the most favorable conditions here and I hope it doesn't get much larger. It is called a dwarf. We shall see about that.
Cheryl and Jayne, I will post any significant changes in the shrub as far as color goes. It will be interesting to see just what it does.
I am glad you all liked the shrub as much as I do. I just think it is so unusual. Fun to have. Now if it will just grow.
Lisa, this is a very interesting shrub. I like the texture of it, too. Obviously, we all want to see it when it changes color:) Doesn't sound like it would be hardy in my garden, though.
ReplyDeleteLisa,
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting shrub..it will give a different texture and look to a garden!
Gail
You may not have been beating that shrub, Lisa, but it appears you've been Mrs. 'Scissorhands" with it : -)
ReplyDeleteAll kidding aside, we carry 'Whipcord' at the garden center where I work. It's a big seller for containers, too.
While it will tolerate some shade, it does best in sun.
Wow! Up to 5' someday!
ReplyDeleteWhat fun ;o)!!
I'd be tempted to take some cutting inside for an arrangement!
Carolyn, thanks for the info. I figured the 'tolerates some shade' was to entice people like me with lots of shade to try it. I will give it a go. If it hates it where I have planted it I will move it. If it is like other thuga it should at least live. They are tough plants. Maybe I could get one and put it into a container. I love for it to be up close so I can touch it.
ReplyDeleteCyndy, I might do some cutting on it when it gets established. I just keep wanting to touch it.
I thought it was an ornamental grass at first. Interesting plant, I like it!
ReplyDeleteCool looking plant. Love the texture. Hope it grows well for you.
ReplyDeleteDear Lisa,
ReplyDeleteA very interesting plant. I too would enjoy the texture of it. I bet it is fun to touch. More and more I am looking at shrubs for the gardens. I think it is because I am getting older.
Sherry
What a cool plant! I'll be anxious to see how it does.
ReplyDeleteLisa,
ReplyDeleteOne of the things I love about visiting other blogs is learning about new plants - and getting to hear about how they do.
I love it. Haven't see that one before either but it looks like 'deer candy'! Can't wait to see where you plant it!
ReplyDeleteZone 6? Not fair! I want 1! That is the coolest Arborvitae I have ever seen. Good eye & good purchase.
ReplyDeleteLisa I love this plant! I enlarged to take a closer look it...I must have one too!
ReplyDeleteWe all love that plant, Lisa! I'd like one too! How sweet of your DB to buy it for you :)
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see how it grows. Hope it does well for you.
Thanks for being such a faithful visitor. I'm hoping to get around more now that the outdoor activities are winding down. I'm still emptying containers and potting up a few plants for wintering indoors.
this is a very interesting looking and obviously feeling plant. i like it. i hope you have great success with it.
ReplyDeleteWow! I never would have thought that was arborvitae!! Only to zone 6, though. Boo hoo.
ReplyDeleteI love this Thuja - I clicked on the first photo to have a closer look and it reminded me of a pencil cactus... this will be a wonderful addition to your garden!! I'm really suffering from zone envy these days. Have a good Sunday!
ReplyDeleteGreen wig?
ReplyDeleteCan you imagine it bigger?
Will look beautiful. Great choice:)
Thank you for good wishes for Atomik :)
Ewa
Oooh... that looks fun! I can certainly see why you couldn't resist touching it... I'd be running my fingers through it every chance I could get. :)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous texture...can't wait to see its fall color! A fabulous plant! :)
ReplyDeleteOh great, Lisa! Now I want one of those! That is just gorgeous!
ReplyDelete