Chamaecyparis pisifera, commonly known as Sawara cypress, or Japanese false Cypress, is from the islands of Honshū and Kyūshū in southern Japan.
If you are looking for a conifer tree variety with attractive foliage Chamaecyparis pisifera and its many cultivars must be high on the list.
The species itself can reach around 150ft in height, however it is the low growing, slow growing or dwarf varieties that are commonly used in landscaping.
Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘True Blue’ is one, and with very attractive silvery blue foliage it is a wonderful plant for growing in a rock garden in in a pot on a patio.
Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Tsukomo’ is another, and widely sought after for Bonsai. Good bright green new foliage, that fades to deeper green in winter.
Chamaecyparis pisifera Care and Maintenance.
All of these small growing varieties require similar growing conditions.
- Position
Full sun to afternoon shade in warmer climates. Protection from hot drying winds is recommended. - Soil
Humus rich and well drained. Slightly acidic. In the garden, dig the soil over well to a width 2 – 3 times the root ball. Add organic matter if needed. In pots use a good quality potting mix and a pot with adequate drainage holes. - Watering
A typical wet/dry cycle of watering is best. Water well and then allow the soil to dry a little before watering again. This ensures that the root system has access to oxygen which it will not in wet soggy soils. - Fertilizer
Use a slow release organic fertiliser in spring. - Pruning
You can prune lightly once or twice a year to maintain shape and size if needed.
Never prune back into bare wood, and never hard prune as this can cause canker and other issues.
More Chamaecyparis Pisifera Varieties
- Chamaecyparis Pisifera ‘Boulevard’ – Around 24ft with a spread to 12ft
- Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Golden Mop’ Golden foliage on a mound forming variety.
- Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Filifera Aurea Nana’ Conical to rounded shrub with yellow foliage.
- ‘Dow Whiting’ – Steely blue foliage to around 10ft
- ‘Gold Dust’ – Forms a rounded bun like shape, green foliage with gold.
- ‘Gold Spangle’ Larger and faster growing with golden foliage.
- ‘Lemon Thread’ – Slow and low growing, gold to lemon foliage.
- ‘Nana Aureovariegata’ Another small bun shaped variety, green foliage with yellow flecks
