Chamaecyparis obtusa Maureen - Hinoki Cypress

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Maureen' is a dwarf variety of Japanese Hinoki cypress. It is highly appreciated for ornamental use in rock gardens due to its unique habit and fine-textured foliage. Conical in shape with a central leader in its early years, the plant widens more than it rises, forming a fuzzy, somewhat informal mass with a slightly feathery appearance. It is not uncommon to find some creamy variegation on the foliage, which adds to the charm of this lovely conifer. Perfect for rock gardens, it also adapts well to container cultivation. Chamaecyparis obtusa prefers a sunny or partially shaded exposure, fertile soil that is moist but well-drained, humus-rich, and non-calcareous.

Also called Japanese Hinoki Cypress, the obtuse false cypress is mainly used for making lacquered furniture and for the construction of numerous buildings such as palaces in its country of origin. It belongs to the Cupressaceae family. In its natural environment, it can reach up to 50 m (164 ft) in height. The dwarf variety 'Maureen' originated from a selected sowing in the early 1980s in the USA. Its growth is slow; a 10-year-old specimen will measure approximately 80 cm (31.5 in) in height and 1.2 m (3.9 ft) in width. Its annual growth rate is around 5 cm to 7.5 cm (2 in to 3 in). 'Maureen' develops thin, reddish, slightly twisted branches covered with tiny bright green scale-like leaves that emit an aromatic scent when crushed.

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Maureen' is ideal for container cultivation on a terrace or in small gardens due to its slow growth and compact size. With its unusual silhouette, it will bring a touch of whimsy to your rock gardens. The structural qualities of dwarf conifers suit a contemporary garden, which prefers the aesthetics of forms, silhouettes, and textures to the delicacy of flowers. These plants enhance a flower bed, mark pathways, and border terraces, easily replacing trimmed boxwood. They serve as a backdrop for small roses, peonies, or windswept ornamental grasses with complementary temperaments. They can also be combined with upright, pyramidal conifers or ground-covering plants such as aubrietas, creeping baby's breath, and ceraistes, as well as flowering shrubs. The key is to play with volumes and colours.