Other Cypresses & False Cedars
Chamaecyparis species and their cultivars come in an array of shapes, sizes, and colors. One interesting miniature is Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Tsukumo’, an extremely slow-growing, globe-shaped shrub that only reaches 10” in 20 years. At maturity, it can grow to .5’-1.5’H × .5’-1.5’W, so it is perfect for a rock garden or small space. Its distinctive sprays of scaly foliage are light green, and the cones are green in the summer, turning brown later in the season. ‘Tsukumo’ grows in full sun to partial shade in average, well-draining soil. It is hardy to USDA zones 4 to 8.
Another one is Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Golden Mop’, a slow-growing dwarf shrub with a mound of threadlike, yellow-gold foliage that shines all year round. It grows 2’-3’H × 2’-3’W the first 10 years, and can mature to 3’-5’ × 3’-5’W. The .25” cones start out green and mature to brown. ‘Golden Mop’ grows best in partial shade, in average, well-draining soils. It is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8.