Hinoki Cypress

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Hinoki Cypress

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I love Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Gracilis’

For the second selection of favorite garden plants I present to you: the dwarf evergreen, Chamaecyparis obtusa Gracilis. Many of the false cypress evergreens are lovely, and I grow several, but this particular cultivar is especially beautiful -it has a sumptuous look. Deep green fan-like growth that is free form without any sprawling, it’s a dwarf type of tree which will grow quite slowly and keep its place for a long while. This type of evergreen looks pleasing in mixed plantings brightening the winter landscape,and giving depth to the summer views (although it needs sunshine and shouldn’t be too shaded). It is pest-resistant in my experience.

[The look]

False Cypress

Another name for this plant is Hinoki Cypress, the gracilis describes the form, which is graceful and more open. There are others like minima, so check the name. Its texture and color are a nice variation with other evergreens.It may be used as a specimen feature, with other plants in a dooryard planting, or even the edge of a border.

[The needs]

Sunshine is very important since the inner and lower branches die without it, and won’t rebud. I grow one bush in a morning sun situation which seems sufficient. Be careful of drying winds, and use an acidifying fertilizer for the neutral to acid condition it likes; be sure to water sufficiently. Results are vastly better with plenty of light from a position in full sun.

Here’s the low down:
Hardiness Zone: 4 to 8
Eventual Height and Width: 9′ X 5′
Growth Rate: Slow

Plant in fall or early spring, and once established fertilize sparingly with slow-release organic fertilizer during those same times. This is one plant that truly appreciates a blanket of mulch, but remember to keep the trunk area free of mulch (no volcano, please).

[Growing Facts:]

You can propagate it from semi-ripe cuttings in late summer

[Fun Facts]

This evergreen has long been used by the Japanese for the art of bonsai.
Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Gracilis’ makes an excellent specimen, door entry, or other foundation area planting.
The name ‘Chamaecyparis‘ comes from the Greek words for “ground” and “cypress”, referring to its dwarf nature; obtusa means “blunt”, maybe because it doesn’t have sharp needles? Or maybe because the foliage fans have a rounded look to them.

dwarf evergreen