Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Tsukumo'

'Tsukumo' is a cultivar of C. pisifera in the Cupressaceae family, and is a slow growing, dwarf, needled evergreen shrub that can take up to 20 years to reach a height of 10 inches. Its form is rounded and flat topped like a bun with a width equal to, or greater than, its height. Because it is a conifer, it does not flower, but the blue tinted, fine textured needles provide a winter interest. However, its slow rate of growth of about 1 inch per year and dwarf habit make it a popular subject of bonsai. The origin of the cultivar is not known with certainty, but it most likely originated in Japan well before the mid-20th century. 

In the garden, the plant will do best in part shade with average moisture in moist, well-drained, fertile soils. This is a hardy, resilient plant, but it is likely to need some shelter from strong winds.

Use in a container or rock garden, a foundation plantings, or specimen. The overlapping sprays of dense, dark-green adult foliage can make this attractive plant resemble a moss-covered rock. This plant is sometimes listed under the cultivar names, 'Pygmy' or 'Pygmaea Tsukomo'.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

Susceptible to juniper blight, root rot and certain insect pests such as bagworms.

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.