Chamaecyparis obtusa Andorra - Hinoki Cypress

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Andorra', with its height of 1.20m (3ft 11in), is a dwarf, round and then conical conifer, very compact, showing bright and contrasting foliage, light green to golden yellow, whose slightly twisted silhouette will bring a touch of fantasy to the rock garden or small gardens. It will thrive in light, well-drained, moist, slightly chalky soil, in a sunny position sheltered from strong winds.

Also called Hinoki Cypress and reaching a height of 50m (164ft) in its natural environment, the wood of the false cypress is mainly used for making lacquered furniture and for the construction of many buildings such as palaces. This dwarf variety, 'Andorra', with its globular and compact habit, grows slowly to form an irregular cone, almost as wide as it is tall. After ten years of cultivation, it will reach a height of 90cm (35.4in) to 1m (3ft 4in), with a diameter of 70cm (27.6in). It bears branchlets in the shape of very incurved shells, grouped at the end of branches. Its young shoots, golden yellow to light green, contrast beautifully with the older foliage, which is a vibrant and shiny green.

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Andorra' is ideal for container cultivation on a terrace or in small gardens thanks to its slow growth and small size. With its soft and natural shape it will work wonders in your rock gardens. The architectural qualities of dwarf conifers naturally impose themselves in the design of a contemporary garden, which prefers the aesthetics of shapes, silhouettes, and textures over flowers. These plants structurally and durably shape a flower bed, mark pathways and border the terrace, easily replacing the strong presence of trimmed boxwood. They serve as a backdrop for small roses, peonies, or tousled grasses with very complementary forms. They can also be associated with shrubs or ground cover plants such as aubrietas and ceraistes, as well as flowering shrubs. The key is to play with volumes and colours.

Tips: Water during periods of high heat as it is sensitive to drought.