The cultivar, ‘Ericoides’ is an unusual evergreen shrub forming a softly rounded pyramid with age. Sparkling steel-blue foliage changes to plum-purple in cold weather. Plant in full sun for best growth. Hardy in zone 3b. Grows to a height of 5 feet tall and 4 feet wide. Keep moist until completely established. Prefers constantly moist soil. Fertilize in spring just before new growth begins. No pruning is needed. C. obtusa is a medium large evergreen, under cultivation it usually does not exceed 40 to 50 feet tall, but with age will grow height. Has a spread of 15 to 30 feet. Has a spreading, irregular, open form with dark glossy green foliage. Very slow growing and is suited principally to a large oriental garden. Splendid bonsai subject. Prune to shape.
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Characteristics
Cultivar: EricoidesFamily: Cupressaceae
Size: Height: 0 ft. to 0 ft.
Width: 0 ft. to 0 ft.
Plant Category: perennials, trees,
Plant Characteristics: seed start,
Foliage Characteristics: evergreen,
Flower Characteristics: fragrant,
Flower Color:
Tolerances: deer, rabbits, seashore,
Requirements
Bloomtime Range: not applicable
USDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 7
AHS Heat Zone: Not defined for this plant
Light Range: Sun to Full Sun
pH Range: 4.5 to 8
Soil Range: Some Sand to Some Clay
Water Range: Normal to Moist
Plant Care
Fertilizing
How-to : Fertilization for Young Plants Young plants need extra phosphorus to encourage good root development. Look for a fertilizer that has phosphorus, P, in it(the second number on the bag.) Apply recommended amount for plant per label directions in the soil at time of planting or at least during the first growing season.
Light
Conditions : Sun Sun is defined as the continuous, direct, exposure to 6 hours (or more) of sunlight per day.
Conditions : Full Sun
Full Sun is defined as exposure to more than 6 hours of continuous, direct sun per day.
Watering
Conditions : Moist and Well Drained Moist and well drained means exactly what it sounds like. Soil is moist without being soggy because the texture of the soil allows excess moisture to drain away. Most plants like about 1 inch of water per week. Amending your soil with compost will help improve texture and water holding or draining capacity. A 3 inch layer of mulch will help to maintain soil moisture and studies have shown that mulched plants grow faster than non-mulched plants.
Planting
How-to : Planting a Tree Dig out an area for the tree that is about 3 or 4 times the diameter of the container or rootball and the same depth as the container or rootball. Use a pitchfork or shovel to scarify the sides of the hole.
If container-grown, lay the tree on its side and remove the container. Loosen the roots around the edges without breaking up the root ball too much. Position tree in center of hole so that the best side faces forward. You are ready to begin filling in with soil.
If planting a balled and burlaped tree, position it in hole so that the best side faces forward. Untie or remove nails from burlap at top of ball and pull burlap back, so it does not stick out of hole when soil is replaced. Synthetic burlap should be removed as it will not decompose like natural burlap. Larger trees often come in wire baskets. Plant as you would a b&b plant, but cut as much of the wire away as possible without actually removing the basket. Chances are, you would do more damage to the rootball by removing the basket. Simply cut away wires to leave several large openings for roots.
Fill both holes with soil the same way. Never amend with less than half original soil. Recent studies show that if your soil is loose enough, you are better off adding little or no soil amendments.
Create a water ring around the outer edge of the hole. Not only will this conseve water, but will direct moisture to perimeter roots, encouraging outer growth. Once tree is established, water ring may be leveled. Studies show that mulched trees grow faster than those unmulched, so add a 3"" layer of pinestraw, compost, or pulverized bark over backfilled area. Remove any damaged limbs.
Problems
Miscellaneous
Glossary : SpecimenA specimen can be a tree, shrub, ground cover, annual, or perennial that is unique in comparison to the surrounding plants. Uniqueness may be in color, form, texture, or size. By using only one specimen plant in a visual area, it can be showcased. Specimen plants are accents in the landscape, just as statues, water features, or arbors.
Glossary : Pacific Northwest
Pacific Northwest refers to plants native to parts of or all of the northwestern region of the United States, including Northern California, Oregon, Washington and British Columbia.
Glossary : Deciduous
Deciduous refers to those plants that lose their leaves or needles at the end of the growing season.
Glossary : Evergreen
Evergreen refers to plants that hold onto their leaves or needles for more than one growing season, shedding them over time. Some plants such as live oaks are evergreen, but commonly shed the majority of their older leaves around the end of January.
Glossary : Perennial
Perennial: traditionally a non-woody plant that lives for two or more growing seasons.
Glossary : Large Tree
A tree is considered large when it is over 30 feet tall.
Glossary : Landscape Uses
By searching Landscape Uses, you will be able to pinpoint plants that are best suited for particular uses such as trellises, border plantings, or foundations.
Glossary : U. S. Natives
Native plants require lower maintenance and usually have less pest problems. They are key components in the xeriphytic landscape and backyard wildlife habitat. Select your region and the search will look for all plants in the database that are native to your area.