Chamaecyparis lawsoniana Mini Globus - Lawson Cypress

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Mini Globus' is rarely grown, but has ornamental value. This dwarf conifer forms a lush dome with supple branches, covered in magnificent feathery foliage in shades of green-grey to emerald, with bluish reflections. Not exceeding 1m (3ft) in all directions at adulthood, it grows slowly and is particularly suitable for small spaces, rockeries, and containers. While not difficult to grow, it appreciates the sun and cool, fertile, neutral to acidic soils.

Lawson Cypress, sometimes called false cypress, is a majestic conifer from the Cupressaceae family native to the humid coastal forests of the northwest United States. In its environment, it often reaches heights of over 30m (98ft), with a trunk approaching 1.2m (4ft) in diameter. Its habit is straight and conical, and its trailing branches form soft curtains dressed in fairly dark, bluish-green foliage. It has given rise to numerous cultivars, among which there is a wide choice of smaller-sized plants.

The 'Mini Globus' variety is a reduced form of this species. It has a rounded and very dense habit, not exceeding 50cm (20in) in all directions after 10 years of cultivation. At maturity, and after many long years, it will form a small bush of 1m (3ft), with soft and very neat growth. It produces numerous slender and slightly weeping branches, covered with scale-like leaves. Acid green leaves emerge at the ends of the branches in spring, turning to a silver-green with light bluish reflections in winter.

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Mini Globus', with its globular silhouette and small size, is ideal for decorating a rockery, a bed, or planted in groups of 3 subjects in a container. It does not require pruning. The architectural qualities of dwarf conifers naturally impose themselves in the design of a contemporary garden, which prefers the aesthetics of shapes, silhouettes, and textures over the fleeting beauty of flowers. With their reassuring permanence, these plants durably structure a bed. They can mark pathways and border terraces, easily replacing the strong presence of trimmed boxwood. They serve as a setting for small roses, peonies, or tousled grasses with a very complementary temperament. They can also be associated with shrubs or ground cover plants such as aubrieta and cerastium, as well as flowering shrubs. The key is to play with volumes and colours.