Dwarf hiba cedar has bold antler-like foliage. The leaves are deep green on one side but have bits of white on the other. (Rick Peterson)

Dwarf hiba cedar has bold antler-like foliage. The leaves are deep green on one side but have bits of white on the other. (Rick Peterson)

Great Plant Pick: Thujopsis dolabrata ‘Nana,’ dwarf hiba cedar

This conifer has bold antler-like foliage. The leaves are deep green on one side but have bits of white on the other.

What: Thujopsis dolabrata “Nana” is a compact evergreen conifer with bold antler-like foliage. The thick-textured leaves are deep green on one side and stippled and patterned with chalky white on the other. Surprisingly tough, it will grow in most soils as long as there is good drainage and will tolerate full sun to shade. The bold growth has a sense of balance and symmetry in the habit of the shrub, providing a refined characteristic in the landscape. In full sun, the leaves take on an interesting orange and olive hue, until the warmer spring weather. It will form a layered mound over time with a low, graceful profile.

Where: Dwarf hiba cedar grows best in full sun or light to open shade in well-drained soil.

Size: “Nana” grows to be 4 feet tall and 6 feet wide when mature.

Care: Frequent to regular watering is best during prolonged periods of drought. The soil can be of average type, but should be well-drained. No pruning is required for proper growth. Careless pruning can ruin the interesting form of this conifer.

— Richie Steffen, Great Plant Picks

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

Brayden Burn shakes Tsunami’s paw. Tsunami is a 2-year-old smooth sable collie, a breed that breeder Corinne Boon said is going extinct in Europe, despite being a good family and herding pet. (Luisa Loi / Whidbey News-Times)
A boy and his dog: Whidbey Island teen wins Collie Club of America title

Brayden Burn, of Oak Harbor, is the first boy in 21 years to take Best in Show at the club’s National Specialty competition.

"Unsellable Houses" hosts Lyndsay Lamb (far right) and Leslie Davis (second from right) show homes in Snohomish County to Randy and Gina (at left) on an episode of "House Hunters: All Stars" that airs Thursday. (Photo provided by HGTV photo)
Snohomish twin stars of HGTV’s ‘Unsellable Houses’ are on ‘House Hunters’

Lyndsay Lamb and Leslie Davis show homes in Mountlake Terrace, Everett and Lynnwood in Thursday’s episode.

Gus Mansour works through timing with Jeff Olson and Steven Preszler, far right, during a rehearsal for the upcoming annual Elvis Challenge Wednesday afternoon in Everett, Washington on April 13, 2022. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Hunka hunka: Elvis Challenge returns to Historic Everett Theatre May 4

The “King of Rock and Roll” died in 1977, but his music and sideburns live on with Elvis tribute artists.

Expedia said it would refund my tickets four years ago. Help!

Keith Dawe has been waiting for his refund from Expedia since 2020. But neither it nor his airline can find the money.

Planning for a loved one’s death can make losing them less difficult

Patients and family members deal with many unknowns, including not only the disease process but also the dying process.

2024 Lexus GX 550 (Photo provided by Lexus)
2024 Lexus GX 550 review

The 2024 Lexus GX 550 has been redesigned from the ground up,… Continue reading

(Photo provided by Lexus)
2024 Lexus TX brings three-row seating back to the SUV lineup

The new luxury SUV is available in three versions, including two with hybrid powertrains.

Music, theater and more: What’s happening in Snohomish County

Jazz vocalist Greta Matassa comes to Snohomish while “Death by Design” ends its run at the Phoenix Theatre in Edmonds.

Mukilteo Police Chief Andy Illyn and the graphic he created. He is currently attending the 10-week FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. (Photo provided by Andy Illyn)
Help wanted: Unicorns for ‘pure magic’ career with Mukilteo police

“There’s a whole population who would be amazing police officers” but never considered it, the police chief said.

To most, tiles are utilitarian. To some, they’re a sought-after art form.

Collectors particularly prize tiles made by early 20th century art potteries. This Wheatley piece sold for $216 at auction.

Spring plant sales in Snohomish County

Find perennials, vegetable starts, shrubs and more at these sales, which raise money for horticulture scholarships.

beautiful colors of rhododendron flowers
With its big, bright blooms, Washington’s state flower is wowing once again

Whether dwarf or absolutely ginormous, rhodies put on a grand show each spring. Plus, they love the Pacific Northwest.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.