Growing Chamaecyparis (False Cypress)

Latin Name Pronunciation: kam-ee-sip'are-is

The evergreen genus Chamaecyparis offers gardeners a wide diversity of color, texture, and shape. Several cultivars make excellent hedges, alone or in combination, for a tapestry effect. With branches reaching all the way down to the ground, most make good privacy screens. Excellent accent and specimen plants as well.

Light/Watering: Grow these evergreens in full sun and moist, well-drained soil.

Fertilizer/Soil and pH: Chamaecyparis thrive with an acidic or neutral pH.

Pests/Diseases: Chamaecyparis are generally pest and disease-free but occasionally twig blight and spruce mites can be problems.

Companions: Plant as a backdrop for small flowering trees, and combine with Hollies such as Ilex verticillata for winter interest.