About

This compact conifer features a columnar growth form and displays soft, semi-juvenile foliage. The leaves are typically dark green, although they can exhibit a yellowish hue when grown in alkaline soils.

About the genus

Chamaecyparis consists of evergreen trees that typically exhibit a narrow ovoid or columnar shape. They feature densely branched sprays of diminutive scale-like foliage and produce small, rounded cones. In certain cultivars, the tiny red male cones are particularly noticeable.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H6

Plant details

Plant type
Conifers
Habit
Columnar upright
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
2.5-4 metres
Spread
1-1.5 metres
Time to full height
10-20 years
Suggested uses
Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden

Care notes

Cultivation
Grows well in moist but well-drained soil. Tolerant of chalk soils but prefers slightly acidic soil. Slow growing
Pruning
No pruning required, but shaped subjects, including hedges, will need trimming twice a year
Propagation
Propagate by grafting and semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to aphids, juniper scale and shoot-boring moths
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to honey fungus and Phytophthora root diseases