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CHAMAECYPARIS pisifera 'Snow'

Image of Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Snow'

James H. Schutte

Family

Cupressaceae

Botanical Name

CHAMAECYPARIS pisifera 'Snow'

Plant Common Name

Boulevard Moss, Japanese Falsecypress, Sawara Falsecypress

General Description

Represented in gardens primarily by three large groups of cultivars, Sawara falsecypress is a hardy evergreen conifer native to Japan. The dense spreading mossy needle-like leaves of 'Snow' mark it as a member of the Squarrosa Group. It grows very slowly into a dwarf domed shrub whose blue-green cream-tipped foliage gives the impression of a dusting of snow. The color fades as the season progresses, eventually maturing to pale green.

This cultivar thrives in partial shade and moist, acidic, organic-rich, well-drained soil. It prefers cool humid environments and should be protected from hot sun and harsh drying winds. Use this colorful and textural shrub in a rock garden, trough, or patio planting, or in combination with other small shrubs such as heaths and heathers.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    8 - 1

  • Sunset Zone

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

  • Plant Type

    Needled or Scaled Evergreen

  • Sun Exposure

    Partial Sun, Partial Shade

  • Height

    2'-3' / 0.6m - 0.9m

  • Width

    3'-5' / 0.9m - 1.5m

  • Native To

    Japan

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Growth Rate

    Very Slow

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Cushion/Mound-forming

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    None

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    White, Blue Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    White, Blue Green, Ivory

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Blue Green, Gray

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Light Green, Blue 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

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Fine

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Exfoliating

  • Usage

    Alpine, Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    No