False Cypress
Chamaecyparis species (CUPRESSACEAE)
Planting and Growing False-Cypress Trees
You’ll find everything you need to know to plant and grow false-cypress trees in the accompanying table’s tabs:
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- Foliage, cones, and seeds of false-cypress trees
- Growing conditions for false cypress
- When to plant false cypress
- How to plant false cypress
- How to prune false cypress
- Watering, fertilizing, and care of false cypress
- Landscape uses of false cypress
- Pest and disease control for false cypress
Growing False-Cypress Trees
Eight species of slow-growing, upright, pyramid-shaped, dense, coniferous, evergreen trees, 20–100 ft. (6–30 m) tall, depending on species, with blue, green, yellow, variegated, needle- or scalelike foliage, in spreading sprays, and matted, red brown bark.
Commonly cultivated species include Port Orford cedar, Chamaecyparis lawsoniana; Nootka cypress, Chamaecyparis nootkatensis; Hinoki false cypress, Chamaecyparis obtusa; Sawara false cypress, Chamaecyparis pisifera; and white cedar, Chamaecyparis thyoides.
False Cypress Planting and Care Guide
Cones and Seeds
Male cones are pink, red, yellow, egg-shaped, 3/4 in. (19 mm) long; female cones are woody, 3/8 in. (10 mm) long, with scales and winged seed.
Best Climates
U.S.D.A. Plant Hardiness Zones 5–9, depending on species.
Soil Type and Fertility
Damp, well-drained soil. Fertility: Average. 5.5–6.5 pH.
Where and How to Plant
Full sun. Space 10–20 ft. (3–6 m) apart, depending on species.
Proper Care
Easy. Allow soil surface to dry between waterings until established. Fertilize annually in spring until established. Protect from wind. Propagate by seed.
About This Species
Good choice for accents, allées, containers, hedges, screens in lawns, woodland gardens. Drops leaves, requiring maintenance. Spider mite susceptible.