Evergreen Ground Cover Of The Day

Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Plumosa Compressa'

Sawara Cypress, Japanese False Cypress

Type Groundcover, woody plant
Hardy range 5A to 8A
Height 2" to 12" / 6cm to 30cm
Spread 36" to 6' / 90cm to 1.80m
Growth rate Slow
Form Prostrate
Exposure Partial shade or partial sun to full sun
Persistence Evergreen

Bloom Time Spring

Environment This plant tolerates some drought and a little salt. This plant will grow in dry soil. Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy, sandy or clay. The pH preference is an acidic to slightly alkaline (less than 6.8 to 7.7) soil.

Leaf Color Green, variegated and yellow Fall Color No change in fall color

This plant has attractive foliage.

Culture Notes

Sawara Cypress should be grown in full sun to partial shade on moist, well-drained soil. It tolerates alkaline soil poorly. Regions of the country with moderate to high humidity are best for this plant. Although moderately drought tolerant, it is not especially happy in very hot summers unless provided with some irrigation. This can be partially compensated for by providing a large mulched area preferably out to the edge of the canopy.

The plants transplant reasonably well when root pruned regularly in the nursery prior to moving. It must be given full sun so lower branches remain on the tree to provide the best appearance. Plant looks sloppy if lower branches die or are removed, and this is not recommended. Locate the plant properly away from walks and patios to eliminate the need for pruning.

Planting and establishing shrubs

The most common cause of young plant failure is planting too deep. Plant the root ball no deeper than it was in the nursery. In most instances, the root flare zone (point where the top-most root in the root ball originates from the trunk) should be located just above the landscape soil surface. Sometimes plants come from the nursery with soil over the root flare. If there is soil over this area, scrape it off. The planting hole should be at least twice the width of the root ball, preferably wider. In all but exceptional circumstances where the soil is very poor, there is no need to incorporate anything into the backfill soil except the loosened soil that came out of the planting hole. Never place ANY soil over the root ball. If a row or grouping of plants is to be installed, excavating or loosening the soil in the entire bed and incorporating organic matter enhances root growth and establishment rate.

Weed suppression during establishment is essential. Apply a 3-inch thick layer of mulch around the plant to help control weed growth. Keep it at least 10 inches from the trunk. If you apply it over the root ball, apply only a one or two inch layer. This allows rainwater and air to easily enter the root ball and keeps the trunk dry. Placing mulch against the trunk or applying too thick a layer above the root ball can kill the plant by oxygen starvation, death of bark, stem and root diseases, prevention of hardening off for winter, vole and other rodent damage to the trunk, keeping soil too wet, or repelling water. Regular irrigation through the first growing season after planting encourages rapid root growth, which is essential for quick plant establishment.

Please feel free to comment on any post at any time all feedback is welcome and we’d love to hear it.