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Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Tsukumo'

Previously known as:

  • 'Pygmaea Tsukomo'
  • 'Pygmy'
Phonetic Spelling
kam-ay-SIP-a-ris pi-SIF-er-a su-KU-moh
Description

'Tsukumo' Japanese false-cypress is a slow-growing, dwarf, needled evergreen shrub in the cypress family (Cupressaceae) that can take up to 20 years to reach a height of 10 inches. Eventually it can grow up to 18 inches tall and wide. 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 tree. 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 grows in full sun but will do best in partial shade and in moist, well-drained, fertile soils. This is a hardy, resilient plant, but it is likely to need some shelter from strong winds.

The plant’s 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. Its slow rate of growth of about 1 inch per year and dwarf habit make it a popular subject of bonsai. 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'.

Use ‘Tsukumo’ as a border, low hedge or specimen in a container, patio or other small space. It also works well as a companion in an Asian, rock, fairy or winter garden.

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.

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Tags:
#evergreen#full sun tolerant#small spaces#shrub#slow growing#bonsai#dwarf#needled evergreen#rock garden#partial shade tolerant#container plant
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#full sun tolerant#small spaces#shrub#slow growing#bonsai#dwarf#needled evergreen#rock garden#partial shade tolerant#container plant
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Chamaecyparis
    Species:
    pisifera
    Family:
    Cupressaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Grafting
    Root Cutting
    Dimensions:
    Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
    Width: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Perennial
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Needled Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Dense
    Rounded
    Spreading
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Maintenance:
    Low
    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:
    High Organic Matter
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Insignificant
    Flower Description:
    Plant does not flower.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Needled Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Blue
    Green
    White
    Leaf Feel:
    Smooth
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Needles
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    Medium green, fine-textured needles with bluish-green undersides.
  • Bark:
    Bark Color:
    Dark Brown
    Red/Burgundy
    Surface/Attachment:
    Exfoliating
    Peeling
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Patio
    Small Space
    Landscape Theme:
    Asian Garden
    Fairy Garden
    Rock Garden
    Winter Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Foundation Planting
    Hedge
    Specimen