About
Chamaecyparis obtusa is a gradually expanding evergreen conifer characterized by its dark red-brown bark and lush green foliage. This species can attain heights of approximately 35 meters. It is also popular in the art of bonsai cultivation.
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, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
- Plant type
- Conifers, Trees
- Habit
- Bushy, Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- Higher than 12 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grows well in moist but well-drained soil. Tolerant of chalk soils but prefers slightly acidic soil
- Pruning
- No pruning required but if used as hedging, trim twice a year to maintain shape
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed 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