About

This evergreen conifer, Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Spirited', grows in a compact, upright form, typically reaching a height of approximately 3 meters. It features soft, needle-like foliage that displays a consistent golden-yellow hue throughout the seasons. This cultivar is well-suited for use as a standalone specimen, or incorporated into mixed borders and hedges.

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
H7

Plant details

Plant type
Conifers, Trees
Habit
Bushy, Spreading branched
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
2.5-4 metres
Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height
20-50 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. See conifer cultivation for further advice
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