Chamaecyparis obtusa Nana Aurea - Hinoki Cypress

The Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Nana Aurea' is a conifer from the Cupressaceae family, native to Japan and Taiwan. This variety of Japanese Hinoki Cypress has beautiful golden foliage, structured in characteristic small fan shapes. Very aesthetic, this pattern is accompanied by a globe-shaped habit that becomes conical with age. Slow-growing, it generally reaches a height of about 1.50 m (4 ft 11 in) with an equivalent width. It adapts to slightly acidic to neutral, moist and well-drained soils, and a sunny exposure ensures that the colours are vibrant.

The foliage of the 'Nana Aurea' Hinoki Cypress is evergreen and maintains its golden colour throughout the year, giving this variety its full interest. Its decorative aspect is further enhanced by its particularly graceful foliage. The shoots are shaped like small shells, fringed at the ends and irregularly arranged on the plant. This very unique architecture makes it easy to identify this conifer.
From slow to very slow growth, it changes over time from a globular shape to a more pyramidal cone shape, measuring about 1.20 to 1.50 m (3 ft 11 in to 4 ft 11 in). In old gardens, magnificent specimens of 2 m (6 ft 7 in) or even 2.50 m (8 ft 2 in) in height, of venerable age (several decades), can be found.

These characteristics make it particularly suitable for rock gardens, where its distinctive habit will be highlighted by rocks, forming a striking scene, like a Zen garden. The growing conditions of a rock garden - especially regarding drainage - will suit it well, provided that the soil is not drying out.

It also looks fabulous in a contemporary garden, where it will pair with other architectural plants perfectly. The Nandina domestica 'Fire Power', named "sacred bamboo" due to its delicate and tousled foliage, changing colours from red to green, would be the ideal companion.

The semi-shaded background of Mahonia media 'Winter Sun' will provide a dark green backdrop, contrasting well with the golden hue of Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Nana Aurea', and its large compound leaves will stand out against the compact shoots of our small conifer. It can also be used as a border plant and enhanced by perennial ground covers.

The Japanese cypress is well beloved in Japan, where it is used to construct numerous buildings such as temples. The Japanese name for Chamaecyparis obtusa is Hinoki, which means "fire tree," because it was once used to generate fire by rubbing the wood. In addition to its economic importance for construction, an essential oil with soothing effects is extracted from it.