Share your pictures? Hide split images

Chamaecyparis obtusa Lycopodioides - Hinoki Cypress

Chamaecyparis obtusa Lycopodioides
Hinoki Cypress, Japanese Cypress, Hinoki False Cypress

Be the first to leave a review

Schedule delivery date,

and select date in basket

This plant carries a 24 months recovery warranty

More information

This variety of false cypress has an irregular globose habit, and branches with variable appearance that give it an original silhouette: they are occasionally flattened or twisted. The very dense foliage is composed of round, well-contrasted scales, initially light green, then shiny dark green. With its slow growth and small size, it is perfect for small gardens, rockeries or containers.

Height at maturity

2 m

Spread at maturity

1.50 m

Exposure

Sun, Partial shade

Hardiness

Hardy down to -23°C

Soil moisture

Moist soil

Does this plant fit my garden?

Set up your Plantfit profile →

Best planting time March, October

Recommended planting time February to May, September to November

JAN J

FEB F

MAR M

APR A

MAY M

JUN J

JUL J

AUG A

SEP S

OCT O

NOV N

DEC D

Description

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Lycopodioides' is a variety of Japanese false cypress that is most unusual. Of modest stature and a beautiful dark green colour, it has a globose, irregular habit, and a curious growth, sometimes twisted, reminiscent of certain ferns called clubmosses. Its foliage is composed of round and dense scales, light green when young, emerging against a shiny green background. With its slow growth and small size, it is perfect for small gardens, rockeries, or large pots. It prefers moist, well-drained, neutral to acidic soils and dislikes hot and dry conditions as well as strong winds.

Also known as Hinoki cypress, and capable of reaching a height of 50m (164ft) in its natural environment, the false cypress is a large conifer of the cypress family. It is mainly used for making lacquered furniture and for the construction of numerous buildings such as palaces in its native Japan. This small-sized variety, 'Lycopodioides', with a globular habit, grows slowly. Reaching 1m (3ft 4in) in height after 10 years, it is a modest-sized conifer that will not exceed 3m (9ft 10in) in height and 1.50m (4ft 11in) in width. It develops branches of variable shape, randomly twisted or flattened. Its very fine branches are covered with non-prickly flattened needles.

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Lycopodioides' is ideal for structuring a small urban garden or a flower bed. Due to its slow growth, it can be cultivated in a container or a large pot for several years. Its small Japanese silhouette will work wonders in a minimal setting, between large stones, and in a rockery. The architectural qualities of conifers naturally impose themselves in a contemporary garden. Mix together dwarf conifers with a columnar, pyramidal, or narrow conical habit. These plants provide lasting structure to a flower bed, mark pathways and border terraces. They serve as a backdrop for small ground cover roses, peonies, or tousled grasses with a very complementary form. They can also be associated with ground cover plants such as dwarf wormwoods and silver baskets, as well as small perennials. The key is to play with volumes and colours.

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

Chamaecyparis obtusa Lycopodioides - Hinoki Cypress in pictures

Foliage

Plant habit

Height at maturity 2 m

Spread at maturity 1.50 m

Habit conical, pyramidal

Growth rate slow

Flowering

Flower colour insignificant

Foliage

Foliage persistence Evergreen

Foliage colour dark green

Botanical data

Genus

Chamaecyparis

Species

obtusa

Cultivar

Lycopodioides

Family

Cupressaceae

Other common names

Hinoki Cypress, Japanese Cypress, Hinoki False Cypress

Origin

Southeast Asia

Product reference • 19059

Planting and care

Chamaecyparis obtusa ''Lycopodioides' is best planted from September to November and from February to May in rich and deep, well-drained soil. Choose a partially shaded or gently sunny location sheltered from prevailing winds. Soak the root ball well before planting. Add organic fertilizer at planting and water generously in the first years. Apply a special conifer fertilizer every year in April and weed the soil in summer. It does not require pruning.

This variety has few soil requirements but tolerates limestone less well than its counterparts. It prefers deep, rich, soils and dislikes stagnant moisture in winter. Ensure good drainage of your soil. It appreciates moist and humid climates and does not tolerate dry conditions and prevailing winds. Although it tolerates shade it does best in a partially shaded or gently sunny area.