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Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Nana Gracilis'

Image of Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Nana Gracilis'

Mark A. Miller

Family

Cupressaceae

Botanical Name

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Nana Gracilis'

Plant Common Name

Hinoki Falsecypress

General Description

A sacred tree in its native Japan, Hinoki falsecypress is an evergreen conifer with flattened sprays of dark green scale-like leaves that have prominent white bands on their undersides. The most widely cultivated "dwarf" form of Hinoki falsecypress, 'Nana Gracilis' grows slowly into a tall conical shrub densely furnished with cupped, angled sprays of dark green foliage. The small globular female cones are green maturing to reddish brown. This cultivar is sometimes confused with 'Gracilis', which is a larger, faster growing plant.

Hinoki falsecypress prefers some shade; full sun is tolerated in cool relatively moist locations. The soil should have humus, good drainage, and some acidity. Use this cultivar in the mixed border, as an individual specimen, or for hedging or screening.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    8 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    4 - 8

  • Sunset Zone

    A3, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 15, 16, 17

  • Plant Type

    Needled or Scaled Evergreen

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    4'-10' / 1.2m - 3.0m

  • Width

    2'-6' / 0.6m - 1.8m

  • Bloom Time

    Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer

  • Native To

    Japan

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Clay, Loam

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Pyramidal

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Insignificant

  • Flower Color

    Yellow

  • Fruit Color

    Brown

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Dark Green, Brown

  • Bark Color

    Dark Red, Brown

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    Yes

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Exfoliating

  • Usage

    Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Hedges, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Screening / Wind Break, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Birds

  • Self-Sowing

    No