Chamaecyparis obtusa Pygmaea (Hinoki Cypress)
An old cultivar that originated in Japan long ago, Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Pygmaea’ (Hinoki Cypress) is a compact, dwarf conifer forming a flat-topped, rounded, evergreen shrub with spreading branches and fan-shaped sprays of glossy green foliage than turns bronze-olive in winter. The leaves are bright green in summer, providing a lovely contrast with the red-brown stems. The typical rate of growth is 2-3 in. (5-7 cm) per year.
An old cultivar that originated in Japan long ago, Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Pygmaea' (Hinoki Cypress) is a compact, dwarf conifer forming a flat-topped, rounded, evergreen shrub with spreading branches and fan-shaped sprays of glossy green foliage than turns bronze-olive in winter. The leaves are bright green in summer, providing a lovely contrast with the red-brown stems. The typical rate of growth is 2-3 in. (5-7 cm) per year. This Hinoki Cypress is perfect for sunny borders, rock gardens or containers where it adds year-round color and structure.
- Grows up to 3 ft. tall (90 cm) and 5 ft. wide (150 cm) after 10 years.
- A full sun to dappled shade lover, this plant is easily grown in average, moist, well-drained soils. Tolerant of chalk soils but prefers slightly acidic soil. Protect from strong winds. Drought tolerant once established.
- Perfect as a specimen plant, city gardens, cottage gardens, rock gardens or for containers.
- Low maintenance, no pruning required.
- May be affected by honey fungus and Phytophthora root diseases. Watch for aphids
- Propagate by grafting and semi-hardwood cuttings
- Native to Japan
Requirements
| Hardiness | 4 – 8 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones | 1 – 8 |
| Climate Zones | 2, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 15, 16, 17, A3 |
| Plant Type | Conifers, Shrubs |
| Plant Family | Chamaecyparis – False Cypress |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter |
| Height | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
| Spread | 4' – 5' (120cm – 150cm) |
| Spacing | 60″ (150cm) |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
| Tolerance | Drought |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers, Small Gardens |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |