About

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Draht' is a compact, evergreen conifer known for its conical shape and slow growth. The slender branches support a thick layer of deep green leaves, which take on a bronze hue during the winter months.

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
Clay, Sand, Loam, Chalk
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect
East-facing, South-facing, West-facing, North-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Plant type
Conifers, Shrubs
Habit
Columnar upright
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
1.5-2.5 metres
Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height
20-50 years
Suggested uses
Rock garden

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in full sun or light shade in a consistently moist but well drained, fertile soil. Prefers a slightly acidic soil but will tolerate most soil types
Pruning
No pruning required
Propagation
Propagate by grafting or by 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