Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Squarrosa Intermedia'
   
Common Name: Japanese falsecypress
Type: Needled evergreen
Family: Cupressaceae
Zone: 4 to 8
Garden Location: Spoehrer Children's Garden
Height: 4 to 6 feet
Spread: 3 to 5 feet
Bloom Time: Non-flowering
Bloom Description: Non-flowering
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Leaves: Evergreen
Other: Winter Interest
Tolerates: Drought

Culture

Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Best in part shade. Prefers moist, fertile soils. Avoid wet, poorly-drained soils, however. Shelter from wind.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Chamaecyparis pisifera, commonly known as Sawara cypress, is a large, pyramidal, evergreen conifer that grows to 50-70’ tall. This species is rarely sold in commerce however. It is the shrubby cultivars, ranging is size from large shrub to dwarf/miniature, that have become popular ornamental plants. ‘Squarrosa Intermedia’ is a broad, upright, semi-dwarf shrub that typically grows to 5-6’ tall in 10 years. It features feathery blue-green needle-like juvenile foliage that stands out from the twigs. Irregular habit.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Some susceptibility to juniper blight, root rot and certain insect pests such as bagworms.

Garden Uses

Rock gardens, foundation plantings. Excellent specimen. Topiaries.