Chamaecyparis pisifera Cumulus - Sawara Cypress

Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Cumulus', from the Sawara cypress, is a dwarf conifer with fine, soft-textured foliage and a rounded habit, giving it a fluffy cloud-like appearance. Naturally compact, even without pruning, this variety is perfect for small gardens and rockeries. Its cold resistance and minimal maintenance will appeal to many gardeners. Planted in a container, it will add a lot of character to a contemporary terrace.

Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Cumulus' is a horticultural selection. The species, Sawara cypress, is a robust Japanese species in the cypress family, which can reach 45m in its natural state. This species is primarily used for its lemon-yellow rot-resistant wood, in the making of lacquered furniture, and for the construction of many buildings such as palaces in its country of origin. It has given rise to numerous cultivars, classified into four groups: 'Plumosa', 'Squarrosa', 'filifera', and 'Nana'.

Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Cumulus' is a seedling of the variety 'Tsucomo' with bluish juvenile foliage, which remains smaller than its parent. This 'Cumulus' cultivar was selected for its particularly compact habit and tufts of needle-like juvenile foliage, which remain dense even at maturity. This slow-growing conifer reaches between 50 and 60 cm in height and width at the age of 10. Its growth rate is about 2.5 to 7.5 cm per year. The evergreen foliage of the 'Cumulus' cypress is fine and soft, almost fluffy, with a bluish green colour, giving the plant a cloudy appearance. This foliage remains dense and compact, especially when the plant is grown in full sun. The bark of this cypress is generally reddish-brown, but it remains hard to see under the thick foliage. Although this cultivar is not primarily grown for its flowers or fruits, it is capable of flowering and fruiting at an advanced age.

Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Cumulus' is a remarkable subject in rockeries or scree slopes. It is also ideal for planting in pots on the terrace. This cypress is also perfect for miniature topiaries and bonsai due to its naturally compact and globular habit. To accompany it, one can choose, for example, a dwarf juniper like Juniperus communis 'Compressa', a pink heather Erica carnea 'Rosalie', Sedum 'Angelina' ...