Chamaecyparis obtusa Saffron Spray - Hinoki Cypress

As if they were sown by the hand of chance, some young shoots of the Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Saffron Spray' are creamy to pale yellow, forming an excellent contrast with the rest of the dark green and glossy foliage. This dwarf variety of false cypress has an irregular globose habit, becoming rounded-conical with maturity. With its very slow growth and small size, it is perfect for adding a touch of brightness to evergreen borders, containers, and small spaces. Very hardy, it prefers moist but well-drained, neutral to acidic soils, and full sun.

Also known as Japanese hinoki cypress this variety is capable of reaching 50m (164 ft) in height in its natural environment. The false cypress is a large conifer of the cupressaceae family, native to Japan.

This dwarf variety, 'Saffron Spray', with its globose and compact habit, grows very slowly in a rounded-conical shape. With its 1.5m (4 ft 11 in) height and 1m (3 ft 4 in) spread after 20 years, it is a true dwarf conifer, offering finely cut, airy foliage composed of fan-shaped leaves. It bears flattened irregular. Some of its young shoots emerge pale yellow to brighter yellow in spring before turning dark green. Its bark is rough, with a faded red tone.

The Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Saffron Spray' is ideal for container cultivation on a terrace or planted as a specimen in small gardens due to its magnificent foliage and small size. Its remarkably slow growth and compact silhouette will work wonders in a minimalist garden, among large stones, and in a rockery. The true graphic qualities of dwarf conifers naturally impose themselves in the design of a contemporary garden, which prefers the aesthetics of shapes, silhouettes, and textures over flowering plants. These plants, with their reassuring permanence, provide lasting structure to a border, mark pathways, border terraces, easily replacing the strong presence of trimmed boxwood. They serve as a backdrop for small roses, peonies, or tousled grasses with a highly complementary temperament. They can also be combined with shrubs or ground cover plants such as aubrietas, ceraistes, as well as flowering shrubs. The key is to play with volumes and colors.

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