Chamaecyparis obtusa Fernspray Gold - Hinoki Cypress

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Fernspray Gold' is a small variety of Japanese Hinoki False Cypress whose flexible foliage resembles fern fronds. Golden with cream nuances in spring, its foliage becomes more yellow in summer and turns light green in winter. Some slightly tousled young shoots give this small conifer a feathery appearance at first, which becomes denser. With an irregular pyramidal habit, not exceeding 2 m to 2.5 m (6.6 ft to 8.2 ft) in height at maturity, it is perfect in rock gardens, small gardens, or in a container on a terrace. Easy to grow, it prefers a semi-shaded exposure, moist but well-drained, non-calcareous fertile soil.

Also called Japanese Hinoki Cypress, the obtuse false cypress is mainly used for making lacquered furniture and for the construction of numerous buildings such as palaces in its country of origin. It belongs to the Cupressaceae family. In its natural environment, it can reach up to 50 m (164 ft) in height. The dwarf variety 'Fernspray Gold' is an irregular pyramid, with a flexible habit. It grows slowly; after ten years of cultivation, it will reach about 1.20 m (3.9 ft) in height, with a diameter of 80 cm (31.5 in), depending on the growing conditions. It bears dense and short scale-like leaves arranged flat on flexible branches, giving the whole a fern-like appearance. Particularly bright in spring, the foliage retains beautiful hues of more or less yellow to acidic green throughout the year.

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Fernspray Gold' is a conifer that doesn't go unnoticed despite its small size. It is ideal for container cultivation on a terrace or in small gardens due to its slow growth and small size. With its soft and natural shape without pruning, it will work wonders in your rock gardens, in the company of darker varieties or prostrate forms. The structural qualities of dwarf conifers suit a contemporary garden, which prefers the aesthetics of forms, silhouettes, and textures to the delicacy of flowers. These plants enhance a flower bed, mark pathways, and border terraces, easily replacing trimmed boxwood. They serve as a setting for small roses, peonies, or tousled grasses with very complementary temperaments. They can also be planted with shrubs or ground cover plants such as aubrietas, cerastiums, 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.