Chamaecyparis obtusa Lucas - Hinoki Cypress

Chamaecyparis obtusa Lucas - Hinoki Cypress

Chamaecyparis obtusa Lucas
Hinoki Cypress, Japanese Cypress, Hinoki False Cypress

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Chamaecyparis obtusa Lucas - Hinoki Cypress 2L/3L pot sample as delivered in autumn

2L/3L pot (Shipped height around 20/25cm)

17,50 €

Sku: 100245

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A dwarf conifer with magnificent finely-cut foliage reminiscent of certain ferns. Its foliage bears a beautiful yellow-green colour. Its ball-shaped habit and low vigour make it suitable for planting in rock gardens or containers. This variety of Japanese Hinoki Cypress will not exceed 1.5m (5ft) in height with an equivalent width. It prefers well-drained moist soil, and a position in partial shade or in the sun (not too bright). Very cold resistant, it will brighten up the winter with its luminous foliage.

Height at maturity

1.50 m

Spread at maturity

1.50 m

Exposure

Sun, Partial shade

Hardiness

Hardy down to -23.5°C

Soil moisture

Moist soil

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Best planting time February to March, October to November

Recommended planting time January to March, October to December

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Description

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Lucas' is a dwarf conifer from the Cupressaceae family. This variety of Hinoki cypress from Japan is remarkable for its delicate foliage, reminiscent of certain ferns. Depending on the amount of sunlight, it takes on a beautiful yellow to yellow-green colour, which adds to its ornamental interest. Slow-growing, it generally reaches a height of about 1.5m (5ft) with an equivalent width. It adapts to slightly acidic to neutral soils, which are cool and well-drained. A sun or semi-shade plant, tolerant of maritime winds, it is also extremely cold-resistant (-25°C (-13°F)).

Its evergreen foliage is finely arranged like the fronds of certain ferns, and is yellow-green to golden yellow. The young shoots are white at the base before turning yellow. Slow-growing, it forms a more or less regular ball of about 1m (3ft) in all directions after about ten years. Its final size reaches a maximum of 1.5m (5ft), making it ideal for rockeries or container cultivation. Its delicate architecture may even inspire shaping it into a pseudo-bonsai to integrate it into a Japanese garden. Like most of its counterparts, it requires neutral to slightly acidic soil, which retains moisture in summer while being well-draining. It will thrive in different exposures, sun or semi-shade, as long as it avoids too much direct sunlight that could damage its foliage; so be careful about this point in sunny climates!

Its refined aesthetics and small dimensions make it particularly suitable for rockeries, provided that the soil is not dry. It will also be at home in a contemporary garden, planted alongside other colourful or erect plants. For example, plant Juniperus scopulorum 'Skyrocket' behind it to contrast with its height, columnar habit, and bluish foliage. Purple shrubs will also elegantly blend with this variety, making sure to choose low-growing varieties, such as Loropetalum chinense 'Ever Red' (in not too cold climates), or a beautiful Japanese maple (in semi-shady conditions).

Hinoki is the Japanese name for Chamaecyparis obtusa and means "fire tree" because it was once used to generate fire by rubbing its wood. Japanese cypress wood has been used for the construction of numerous buildings such as temples. An essential oil with soothing effects is also extracted from it.

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Chamaecyparis, False cypress: planting, pruning and caring for

Family sheet

Modified the 10 August 2025 by Eva 12 min.

Chamaecyparis, False cypress: planting, pruning and caring for

Read article

Chamaecyparis are among those conifers with dense, scaly foliage appreciated for the making of hedges, notably the Chamaecyparis lawsoniana species, surprisingly used in its typical form. It is nevertheless one of the conifers that has produced the greatest number of cultivars (over 200!) such as Alumii with very compact, bluish foliage and a conical form of 3 to 4.50 m or Ellwoodii, much used in hedges. The wild form, capable in cultivation of reaching 36 m in height with a trunk of 1.20 m diameter, comes from the north‑west United States, like the giant Thuja. Its branchlets, tinged dark green or bluish green, with slightly trailing tips, give it a remarkable, somewhat phantasmagorical undulating appearance while its variety Aurea Densa forms a spectacularly compact golden column. Sawara cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera) and Japanese Hinoki cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) also offer a range of dwarf or moderately vigorous cultivars, with filamentous or, conversely, blunt branchlets, with a fern‑like habit (<a href="https://en.promessedefleurs.eu/shrubs/conifers/conifers-by-variety/chamaecyparis/chamaecyparis-obtusa-teddy-bear-hinoki-cypress.html">C. obtusa Teddy Bear</a>), acidular in <a href="https://en.promessedefleurs.eu/shrubs/conifers/conifers-by-variety/chamaecyparis/chamaecyparis-obtusa-wissel-hinoki-cypress.html">obtusa Wissel</a> in very attractive golden, bluish or intense green colours. The word 'Chamaecyparis' is derived from Greek and means 'cypress‑shaped', given the strong resemblance of its conical habit and its aromatic foliage made of small imbricate scales. However, Cupressus occupy dry, sunny southern areas while Chamaecyparis grow in sheltered, moist, often coastal areas. Chamaecyparis are not demanding about the nature of the soil, provided it is fresh, well‑drained and not excessively calcareous. The species lawsoniana shows a strong susceptibility to the Phytophthora fungus that decimates its wild population in the United States as well as in gardens where the disease is often spread by nurseries. And although they prefer fertile, deep humus, they adapt to less favoured ground, with moderate growth and reduced luxuriance. Avoid pruning them as much as possible.

Chamaecyparis obtusa Lucas - Hinoki Cypress in pictures

Foliage

Plant habit

Height at maturity 1.50 m

Spread at maturity 1.50 m

Habit ball, spherical

Growth rate slow

Foliage

Foliage persistence Evergreen

Foliage colour golden

Botanical data

Genus

Chamaecyparis

Species

obtusa

Cultivar

Lucas

Family

Cupressaceae

Other common names

Hinoki Cypress, Japanese Cypress, Hinoki False Cypress

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference • 1002451

Planting and care

Plant in neutral to acidic soil, keeping it somewhat moist in summer but well-drained in winter. If your soil is sandy, enrich it with compost by mixing it with the planting soil to improve water retention. Water regularly in summer. However, in slightly heavy soil, it is advisable to incorporate gravel at the bottom of the hole to improve drainage and prevent water stagnation in winter. Plant in autumn. It is, however, possible to plant in spring, provided that watering is monitored in the following months. In any case, it is important to prevent the soil from drying out; therefore, water during hot periods without rain. If Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Lucas' is planted in a container on a terrace, it will need to be watered regularly throughout the growing season.

This bush is not susceptible to diseases. Armillaria and Phytophthora can occasionally harm it, but if it is cultivated under good conditions, there is very little risk. In hot regions, it is better to plant it in partial shade to protect its foliage from intense rays. Elsewhere, it can be placed in a sunny location. In snowy areas, do not allow snow to accumulate on its foliage to avoid damaging the shoots.

Planting period

Best planting time February to March, October to November

Recommended planting time January to March, October to December

Intended location

Suitable for Rockery

Type of use Border, Container

Hardiness Hardy down to -23.5°C (USDA zone 6a) Show map

Ease of cultivation Amateur

Exposure Sun, Partial shade

Soil pH Acidic, Neutral

Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light)

Soil moisture Moist soil,