About

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Tsatsumi Gold' is a slow-growing conifer that typically reaches a height of up to 2 meters. Initially, it has a rounded form that evolves into a broadly columnar shape as it matures. The plant features twisted branches and branchlets, densely adorned with small, scale-like leaves. The new growth displays a bright yellow hue, transitioning to yellow-green during the summer months, and eventually adopting golden-yellow shades in autumn and winter.

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
West-facing, South-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H7

Plant details

Plant type
Shrubs
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
1.5-2.5 metres
Spread
1-1.5 metres
Time to full height
20-50 years
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Rock garden, Architectural

Care notes

Cultivation
Grows well in moist but well-drained soil. Tolerant of chalk soils but prefers slightly acidic soil
Pruning
No pruning required
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