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CHAMAECYPARIS pisifera 'Green Genes'

Image of Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Green Genes'

Family

Cupressaceae

Botanical Name

CHAMAECYPARIS pisifera 'Green Genes'

Plant Common Name

Japanese Falsecypress, Sawara Falsecypress

General Description

Growing to immense size in its native Japan, Sawara falsecypress is a hardy evergreen conifer introduced to Western gardens in 1861. Originating on the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, the cultivar 'Mr. Green Genes' bears flat airy fernlike sprays of dark green scale-like leaves on horizontal branches, creating a lacy tiered effect. New foliage is bright green. This cultivar grows slowly into a small pyramidal tree with handsome peeling reddish-brown park. The spherical pea-sized cones are green maturing to brown.

Sun-loving and easy to grow, this cultivar thrives in moist, slightly acid, organic-rich, well-drained soil. It prefers cool humid environments and should be protected from harsh drying winds. It makes a splendid feature or screening plant for spaces that will accommodate its size.

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

    20'-30' / 6.1m - 9.1m

  • Width

    15'-25' / 4.6m - 7.6m

  • Native To

    Japan

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Pyramidal

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    None

  • Fruit Color

    Green, Brown

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Dark Green

  • Bark Color

    Brown, Sienna

  • 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

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    Yes

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Exfoliating

  • Usage

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

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    No