Platycladus orientalis 'Franky Boy'
Common name: 
Franky Boy Chinese Arborvitae
Franky Boy Oriental Arborvitae
Pronunciation: 
plat-ee-KLAD-us o-ree-en-TAH-lis
Family: 
Cupressaceae
Genus: 
Platycladus
Synonyms: 
Thuja orientalis ‘Franky Boy’
Type: 
Conifer
Native to (or naturalized in) Oregon: 
No
  • Conifer, evergreen, dwarf shrub, rounded, teardrop shape, with fine tread-like branches that are reminiscent of a grass, the interior foliage is lime-green whereas the extending branches are lemon yellow.  In winter the color of the shrub is orange-brown.  It may grow 8-15 cm per year and in 10 years attain a height and spread of 0.9 m × 0.9 m and a mature height of 1.8 m × 1.2 m (6 × 4 ft).  Some recommend shearing up to one-third of the previous year’s growth to maintain a formal, compact form.
  • Sun, for best color development
  • Hardy to USDA Zone 5   ‘Franky Boy’ was selected from a seedbed around 1990 at the Frank Nursery of Heiligeneiche, Austria. Platycladus orientalis ‘Elegantissima’ was the seed parent.

  • Taxonomy:  At one time this species was in the Thuja genus, as Thuja orientalis. It has not been transferred to the genus Platycladus, hence Platycladus orientalis; therefore Platycladus orientalis ‘Franky Boy’.  However, most horticultural nurseries and retail outlets continue to use the older designation.

Click image to enlarge
  • plant habit

    plant habit

  • branches

    branches