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Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Ericoides'

Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
kam-ay-SIP-a-ris ob-TOO-sa
Description

‘Ericoides’ is a dwarf cultivar of Hinoki cypress (or false cypress) in the Cupressaceae family. The slow-growing evergreen Hinoki cypress is native to Japan. The Latin name comes from the Greek word chamai, meaning “on the earth,” or dwarf, and kyparissos for “cypress.” ‘Ericoides’ grows 5 to 10 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide in 10 years, with a broad, upright pyramidal form and spreading branches. 

These plants grow best in full sun to part shade in moist, but not wet, fertile soil. They are relatively low maintenance with moderate water needs. Pruning is generally not required.

The new foliage is blue-green, which becomes a glossy light green as it matures. It adds winter interest with a purplish-green cast to the foliage. These plants are often used as small accents, hedges, or foundation plantings.

Insects, Diseases, or Other Plant Problems: Somewhat susceptible to juniper blight, root rot and 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 obtusa.

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Tags:
#evergreen#small shrub#blue green needles#low maintenance#winter interest#dwarf#accent plant#foundation planting#container plant#purple needles#hedge
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#small shrub#blue green needles#low maintenance#winter interest#dwarf#accent plant#foundation planting#container plant#purple needles#hedge
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Chamaecyparis
    Species:
    obtusa
    Family:
    Cupressaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Root Cutting
    Dimensions:
    Height: 5 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Needled Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Broad
    Erect
    Pyramidal
    Spreading
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
  • 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 pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Available Space To Plant:
    6-feet-12 feet
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
  • 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
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Prickly
    Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
    Purple/Lavender
    Leaf Type:
    Needles
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    Foliage is blue-green which matures to a glossy light-green.
  • Bark:
    Bark Color:
    Dark Brown
    Red/Burgundy
    Surface/Attachment:
    Fissured
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Small Space
    Landscape Theme:
    Winter Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Foundation Planting
    Hedge
    Specimen