Chamaecyparis obtusa Aurea - Hinoki Cypress

Chamaecyparis obtusa Aurea is a majestic Japanese conifer introduced to Europe in 1860. It exhibits a conical silhouette, dense and rounded, adorned with ever-changing foliage with a magnificent texture. It is very dense, golden yellow when it first emerges at the end of the branches, gradually turning to light green over time, before taking on a coppery hue in autumn. At maturity, its top will reach over 9 meters (29 feet 6 inches), towering over its thickened height hidden beneath a bushy vegetation. Its tender and fibrous bark conceals a precious Indian red wood, highly prized in cabinetmaking. It thrives in full sun, sheltered from strong winds, in a cool, deep, well-drained soil.

Also known as Hinoki cypress and capable of reaching a height of 50m (164 feet) in its natural environment, the obtuse false cypress is primarily used in its country of origin for making lacquered furniture and constructing numerous buildings such as palaces. This more compact variety, 'Aurea', stands out for its interesting, conical and rounded habit. It 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 2 to 3m (6 feet 7 inches to 9 feet 10 inches), with a diameter of 2m (6 feet 7 inches). At maturity, it exceeds 9m (29 feet 6 inches) in height. It bears numerous fan-shaped branches, covered with tiny scale-like leaves. Its young golden yellow shoots contrast beautifully with the older, light green and distinct foliage, which takes on a coppery hue in autumn.

The Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Aurea' is ideal for large gardens or open spaces. With its natural elegance it will work wonders when placed in isolation, near an entrance, or to highlight a passage or pathway. The architectural qualities of conifers naturally assert themselves in the design of a contemporary garden, which prefers the aesthetics of shapes, silhouettes, and textures over flowers. These plants with their reassuring permanence structurally anchor a bed, mark pathways and border the terrace or ornamental pond, easily substituting for the strong presence of trimmed boxwood. They provide a setting for roses, shrubby peonies, or tall unruly grasses with highly complementaryforms. They can also be combined with rockery conifers, 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.