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
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