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Plant Highlight: Hinoki Cypress

A favorite, Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Gracilis'

For my second selection of favorite garden plants, 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,or use as a specimen feature, with other plants in a dooryard planting,or even the edge of a border. View it?

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

[Fun Facts] This evergreen has long been used by the Japanese for the art of bonsai.

Hinoki Cypress bonsai history| Chamaecyparis obtusa-Hinoki Cypress, MSU| OSU's Assorted images

Follow the above links for more on Chamaecyparis Obtusa Gracilis.

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