Xanthocyparis

( zanth - oh - SIP - uh - riss )

At-A-Glance Information

This endangered genus of evergreen trees is commonly called Alaska Cedar, Vietnamese Golden Cypress or Nootka Cypress. Trees needs full sun to partial shade and regular water. They are native to Alaska and California, and form an 80 foot tall, 25-foot wide pyramid of blue-green to grey-green drooping branches. Xanthocyparis only has one species, and is a member of the plant family Cupressaceae. Varieties include 'Green Arrow' (a narrow tree to 35 feet tall and just a few feet wide), and 'Pendula' (which reaches 30 feet with weeping branches). Nootka Cypress does well in zones A2, A3, 2-6 and 15-17 (to find your zone, click here: Zone Map).

Caring for and pruning xanthocyparis Trees

These hardy evergreen trees prefer to be planted in a place in the landscape that receives full sun; between 6 and 8 hours of sun exposure each day is ideal for maximum growth and foliage color. Ensure that soil is well-draining before planting; if soils are compacted or overly clayey, amend the planting site with plenty of organic material and/or sand before installing. They prefer soils to be slightly acidic to neutral (with a pH of between 6.0 and 7.0). Avoid waterlogged conditions, and do not plant these trees in areas of the landscape that have any flooding problems. Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of trees to suppress weed growth, increase soil moisture retention, and help to regulate soil temperatures. Water newly planted trees regularly to help them establish a strong root system. Mature trees are more drought-tolerant, but will still need extra waterings, including deep waterings, during the growing, flowering, and fruiting seasons.

Pruning is best done in late winter or early springtime, while the tree is still dormant and before new growth has pushed out for the year. At this time, remove dead, damaged, diseased or crossing branches and lightly shape trees. Xanthocyparis trees have a handsome natural habit, and do not need much in the way of pruning each year. Young trees should be heavily pruned after planting to encourage a strong central leader to emerge with well-placed scaffolding. Organic compost can be used yearly, applied in springtime around the base of trees to improve and maintain soil structure and nutrients.

Propagation

Xanthocyparis can be propagated either by using cuttings or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your Xanthocyparis, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Xanthocyparis by Cutting

Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand.
In spring or early summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new shrub.

Xanthocyparis cones hold a few flattened seeds each.

Problems and Pests

Xanthocyparis trees generally don't have many pests or disease problems, though they can suffer from time to time from the following common garden issues: