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CHAMAECYPARIS pisifera 'Sungold'

Image of Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Sungold'

Mark A. Miller

Family

Cupressaceae

Botanical Name

CHAMAECYPARIS pisifera 'Sungold'

Plant Common Name

Japanese Falsecypress, Sungold Threadleaf Falsecypress

General Description

Represented in gardens primarily by three large groups of cultivars, Sawara falsecypress is a hardy evergreen conifer native to Japan. The clasping scale-like leaves and lacy cascading tassel-like branchlets of 'Sungold' mark it as a member of the Filifera Group. Similar to but more sun tolerant than C. pisifera 'Filifera Aurea', it slowly forms an arching, rounded, medium-sized shrub. The pea-sized spherical cones appear only on mature specimens.

This cultivar thrives in light shade and moist, slightly acid, organic-rich, well-drained soil. Its foliage may scorch in hot sun. It prefers cool humid environments and should be protected from harsh drying winds. Use this colorful and textural shrub in the mixed border or foundation planting, as an individual specimen, or in combination with other small to medium shrubs such as heaths and heathers.

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, Partial Shade

  • Height

    5'-8' / 1.5m - 2.4m

  • Width

    5'-10' / 1.5m - 3.0m

  • Native To

    Japan

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam

  • Growth Rate

    Slow

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Oval/Rounded

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    None

  • Fruit Color

    Green, Brown

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Yellow Green, Gold

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Yellow Green, Gold

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Yellow Green, Gold

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Yellow Green, Gold

  • 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

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

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    No