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Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Snow'

Common Name(s):

Previously known as:

  • 'Mikko'
  • 'Squarrosa Snow'
Phonetic Spelling
kam-ay-SIP-a-ris pi-SIF-er-a
Description

‘Snow’ false-cypress is a dwarf, multi-stemmed evergreen shrub in the cypress family (Cupressaceae). It grows slowly, reaching a height of 1 to 6 feet with a 5 to 6 foot spread. This is an old cultivar that originated  in Japan and became available outside of Japan in the mid-20th Century. The genus name derives from the Greek words chamai, for dwarf or low to the ground, and kyparissos, for "cypress." The species epithet, pisifera, is Latin meaning “pea-bearing” and refers to the small rounded cones borne by this plant. The cultivar name alludes to the white tips of the needles in summer.

It is somewhat sensitive to the hot summer sun and winds, so plant in a sheltered location in partial shade. Plant in any moist, well-drained soil. 'Snow' is resistant to browsing by deer.

‘Snow’ false cypress has a more or less rounded form. This shrub features bluish foliage in sprays with white tips that are particularly prominent in spring. 

Use as an accent, border, screening hedge, or foundation plant. It can also be grown in containers or at the edge of lawn.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems.

VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

More information on Chamaecyparis pisifera.

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Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#specimen#shrub#blue needles#slow growing#showy leaves#winter interest#fall interest#deer resistant#foundation planting#summer interest#border planting#spring interest#partial shade tolerant#lawn planting#container plant#low hedge#hedge
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#specimen#shrub#blue needles#slow growing#showy leaves#winter interest#fall interest#deer resistant#foundation planting#summer interest#border planting#spring interest#partial shade tolerant#lawn planting#container plant#low hedge#hedge
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Chamaecyparis
    Species:
    pisifera
    Family:
    Cupressaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Root Cutting
    Dimensions:
    Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 5 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Needled Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Rounded
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Texture:
    Fine
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Available Space To Plant:
    3 feet-6 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Description:
    No true fruits, seed bearing cones.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Description:
    No true flowers, pollen bearing cones.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Needled Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Blue
    Cream/Tan
    Gray/Silver
    Green
    White
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Needles
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    Fine, dense, blue-green foliage in sprays with white tips.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Lawn
    Landscape Theme:
    Asian Garden
    Cottage Garden
    Nighttime Garden
    Rock Garden
    Winter Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Border
    Foundation Planting
    Hedge
    Screen/Privacy
    Specimen
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer