Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Reis Dwarf'

‘Reis Dwarf’ hinoki cypress is a dwarf cultivar in the Cupressaceae (cypress) family.  This woody needled evergreen shrub was developed Joe Reis of Merritt, Long Island, New York in the mid 1970's. The genus name derives from the Greek word chamai, for dwarf or low to the ground, and kyparissos, for cypress.

It prefers full sun to partial shade in well-drained clay, loam, or sandy soil with a neutral to acidic pH. With a narrow upright to  irregular pyramidal form, it will slowly grow to 3 to 5 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide. Propagate it by root cutting. 

The foliage of ‘Reis Dwarf’ is rich, bright green, and branches can be somewhat contorted with long delicate needles. As the needles age they turn brown and can be unsightly necessitating removal by hand pruners.  Over time this removal of dead branches leaves the living branches at the tips which give the plants a "pom pom" effect.  The fussy pruning needed to maintain the appearance of this plant make it a high maintnenace option. 

Use this sculptural plant it as an accent or specimen in a lawn or Asian garden. It can be grown in a container. Of note, it lends itself to being pruned in interesting shapes like in bonsai or topiary.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Somewhat susceptible to bagworms, root rot, and juniper blight.  See Clemson's publication on root rot.

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

More information on Chamaecyparis obtusa.