Chamaecyparis
( kam - ee - SIP - ah - russ )
At-A-Glance InformationCommonly called Cypress or False Cypress, this genus of medium to large evergreen shrubs and trees needs full sun to partial shade and regular water. These Japanese and American trees, historically used for timber production, have been miniaturized to fit better into home gardens in recent years. Foliage is typically dense and textured, usually maturing from needlelike leaves to overlapping foliage that produces cones.
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chamaecyparis Species and Varietals
The genus Chamaecyparis includes 6 species and is a member of the plant family Cupressaceae. The best growing zones for False Cypress vary depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Chamaecyparis formosensis (Formosan Cypress, Taiwan Cypress, Taiwan Red Cypress) Endemic to Taiwan, where it grows in the central mountains at moderate to high altitudes. This species is threatened by habitat loss and over-harvesting of its wood for its valuable, fragrant timber. These are slow-growing coniferous trees with red-brown bark and green foliage. |
Chamaecyparis lawsonia (Port Orford Cedar, Lawson Cypress) This species grows well in zones A3, 3-6 and 15-17 and reaches 200 feet in its natural habitat, though in gardens it tops out more around 60 feet. Foliage is graceful and drooping. Although this species was once widely attacked by the disease Phytophthora lateralis (click the link for more information), it has been revived through the creation of new hybrids that are disease-resistant. These new varieties are listed and described below, |
'Blue Surprise'
6 feet tall and 2 feet wide, this variety has silver-blue new foliage. |
'Golden King'
40 feet tall and 20 feet wide, with golden-yellow foliage. |
'Silberstar'
40 feet tall and half as wide, this variety has silvery-blue foliage. |
'Yvonne'
20 feet tall and 12 feet wide, with golden-tipped green foliage. |
Chamaecyparis obtusa (Hinoki False Cypress, Japanese Cypress)
This species of False Cypress grows well in zones A3, 2b-6 and 15-17, and is native to Japan. These are slow-growing trees tgat eventually reach upwards of 115 feet tall with trunks up to three and a half feet in diameter. There are many varieties, including dwarf cultivars; a choice selection is listed below.
This species of False Cypress grows well in zones A3, 2b-6 and 15-17, and is native to Japan. These are slow-growing trees tgat eventually reach upwards of 115 feet tall with trunks up to three and a half feet in diameter. There are many varieties, including dwarf cultivars; a choice selection is listed below.
Chamaecyparis pisifera (Sawara False Cypress, Sawara)
This native of Japan grows well in zones A3, 2b-6 and 15-17 and reaches about 20-30 feet tall. The species is rarely seen, though its varieties are popular garden favorites; listed below:
This native of Japan grows well in zones A3, 2b-6 and 15-17 and reaches about 20-30 feet tall. The species is rarely seen, though its varieties are popular garden favorites; listed below:
Chamaecyparis thyoides (Atlantic White Cedar) This species grows in zones 1-6 and 15-17. This native to the Eastern United States is a timber tree that has been used to develop many varieties of garden-sized False Cypress plants. These selections include 'Andelyensis' (a columnar grey-green shrub that reaches 10 feet tall) and 'Heather Bun' (pictured; with leaves that change to a purple color in wintertime). |
Caring for and pruning Chamaecyparis Trees
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 234 - 235, Chamaecyparis
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