Chamaecyparis Obtusa (Hinoki Cypress)

The fine-quality timber of Chamaecyparis obtusa has been used for centuries in the construction of traditional Japanese buildings, in particular shrines and temples. The lemon-scented Hinoki wood is also exceedingly durable in outdoor conditions. Sadly a victim of its own merits, the tree has become a diminished commodity back home in Japan and Taiwan.

All the more reason to plant a few here, we feel, where this beautiful slow growing cypress can be cherished in the parks and gardens of a climate that suits it perfectly.

A bright and sunny green, its fragrant needles have a fine edging of glaucous bloom and have a sort of frothing, billowy softness. Up close, very fondle-able. From a distance very dense and shapely, with the graceful tree forming a neat, rounded oval silhouette. It won’t grow fast, reaching around 20-25m or so. If you fancy seeing the tallest one on record here in the UK, there’s one near to the National Pinetum in Kent which is 25m high. Visit the Pinetum while you’re about it.

Give it full sun in a fertile moist soil. It does not like lime so bear this in mind. This cypress responds well to a light clipping should it become thin with age (it happens). Thinning can also occur on poor soil, too, but it won’t mind a trim and a tidy to encourage fullness.

N.B. When clipping several plants with the same tool, have a bucket containing a 5% bleach solution and swish your blades around for 30 seconds between plants to sterilise them. This will help avoid the chance of cross contamination of disease.

As with all woody plants, plant high, exposing as much of the taper at the base of the trunk as possible. Allowing soil to accumulate round the base of a tree can be fatal. Keep very well watered when first planted.