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Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Aurea' (Hinoki cypress)

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Aurea' Photo/Illustration: Michelle Gervais


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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Aurea' kam-ah-SIP-ar-iss ob-TOO-sah Common Name: Hinoki cypress Synonyms: Cupressus obtusa Genus: Chamaecyparis
Hinoki cypress is a conical, evergreen, coniferous tree with leaves that are actually minute scales on tiny branches in the form of fans. The outer foliage of 'Aurea' is golden and the inner is green. Growth can be slow. Use as a specimen or use several as screening.
Noteworthy characteristics: Soft, stringy bark. Golden fans of foliage. Introduced from Japan around 1860.
Care: Grows best in moist but well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic soil. Full sun.
Propagation: Root semi-ripe cuttings in late summer, or sow seed outdoors in spring in a prepared seedbed.
Problems: Spruce mite, twig blight, root rot, and needle blights can be troublesome.
Height Over 30 ft.
Spread 15 ft. to 30 ft.
Growth Habit Clumps
Growth Pace Moderate Grower
Light Full Sun Only
Moisture Medium Moisture
Maintenance Moderate
Characteristics Interesting Bark; Showy Foliage
Foliage Color Colorful/Burgundy Foliage
Uses Screening, Specimen Plant/ Focal Point
Seasonal Interest Winter Interest, Spring Interest, Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type Trees

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