December Shrub of the Month-Hinoki cypress

Walk most nurseries, and you are bound to come across at least one of the many, MANY cultivars of Chamaecyparis obtusa, commonly called Hinoki falsecypress or just Hinoki cypress for short. The unique texture of hinokis is charming and lures you hypnotically in for the kill…or purchase. There is a hinoki for everyone. Tall and graceful, short and sweet, round, pyramidal or lumpy. Foliage can be yellow-tipped (like the C. obtusa ‘Nana Lutea’ above), white-tipped, good old green, or chartreuse.  

One visit to Bruce and Chick Buehrigs amazing garden will have you hooked on hinokis. There, the typically sun-loving hinokis thrive in the shade to part shade. Denser foliage results in more sun versus a more airy, open look with more shade. Protection from strong winds is critical as is well-drained soil for the St. Louis area.

The native range of the hinoki cypress is Japan and Taiwan, where it can grow 50-70’ high. Most hinokis in the trade are dwarf cultivars ranging from 4” to 5’ tall. Find one that makes you smile and bring it home but be careful; hinokis are social plants and like friends. One is not enough. Prepare for future groupings and container options galore. MORE IS MORE!

What I love about this plant;

-The beautifully textured foliage that is aromatic when crushed.

-It’s an excellent evergreen for winter interest.

-The sheer number of shapes, colors, and sizes available for any garden situation, be it containers, bonsai, rock gardens, or mixed borders.

-VERY low-maintenance-NO shearing needed! (please!)

What’s not so great;

-Can be a bit pricey for larger specimens. Start small if you are on a budget.

-Hardiness can be a factor in St. Louis. Most cultivars are rated to zone 5, but protection from strong winds is recommended.

Words and photos by Jo Batzer

© Jo Batzer, garden-lou.com, All rights reserved.