Hinoki cypress is a Japanese native evergreen conifer prized for its refined, architectural form and aromatic foliage. This compact cultivar reaches 3 to 5 feet tall and 2 to 4 feet wide, making it suited to zones 4 through 8. The plant displays delicate, flattened horizontal branchlets that droop gracefully at the tips, clothed in dark green scale-like leaves with white markings underneath. Crushed foliage releases a pleasant fragrance, and as the tree matures, its reddish-brown bark develops a subtle peeling texture. Easy to grow in average, well-drained soil with moderate moisture, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and demands minimal maintenance.
Partial Sun
Moderate
4-8
60in H x 48in W
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Moderate
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Dark green foliage with distinctive white undersides and an elegant drooping branching habit give hinoki cypress an ornamental grace that few conifers achieve at this compact size. The aromatic crushed foliage adds sensory appeal beyond the visual, while the slow, tidy growth means you'll spend more time enjoying the tree than pruning it. Hardy across a broad hardiness range and unbothered by average garden soils, this is a plant that rewards restraint and attention with decades of refined beauty.
Hinoki cypress serves primarily as an ornamental specimen plant or focal point in the landscape. Its compact form, fine texture, and elegant branching structure make it valued in Japanese-style gardens, foundation plantings, and mixed conifer borders. The aromatic foliage appeals to gardeners seeking sensory interest, while the slow, controlled growth and low maintenance needs suit those who prefer plants that require minimal intervention.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Transplant container-grown hinoki cypress in spring or early fall. Choose a location in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil. Space plants according to their mature width, typically 2 to 4 feet apart. Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent moisture through the first growing season to establish a deep root system.
Hinoki cypress requires minimal pruning due to its naturally compact, pyramidal form. Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches as they appear. Light shaping can be done in spring if needed, but avoid heavy heading, which can create bare patches. The plant's naturally graceful drooping branchlets are its defining feature, so preserve this character rather than forcing a rigid shape.
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“Chamaecyparis obtusa originates from Japan, where the species has been cultivated for centuries as both a timber tree and a treasured ornamental. In its native habitat, the full species can reach towering heights of up to 120 feet. Over time, Japanese horticulturists developed numerous compact and dwarf cultivars, including 'Nana Lutea', which brought the refined character of hinoki cypress within reach of gardens with limited space. These cultivars represent careful selection and propagation, preserving the distinctive architectural qualities of the species in forms suited to residential landscapes.”