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Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Golden Mop’ (Sawara Cypress)

Sawara Cypress 'Golden Mop', Japanese Cypress 'Golden Mop'

Chamaecyparis Pisifera 'Golden Mop', Sawara Cypress 'Golden Mop', Japanese Cypress 'Golden Mop', evergreen shrub, golden shrub

Brightly colored, Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Golden Mop’ (Sawara Cypress) is a dwarf conifer forming a globose to conical, evergreen shrub, turning into a dense bush of golden threads over time. The gracefully drooping, finely textured, cord-like foliage is bright golden-yellow, particularly in spring when the new growth emerges. The foliage keeps its brilliant color year-round, adding drama to the landscape, particularly in winter. Slow-growing, this hardy evergreen shrub has an annual growth rate of 1.5-2 in. (3-5 cm). Attractive during all seasons, this compact and hardy Sawara Cypress provides unusual texture in the landscape and looks charming in rockeries.

  • Grows up to 18-24 in. tall and wide (45-60 cm) after 10 years but may eventually reach 5 ft. tall and wide (150 cm) at maturity
  • Full sun to light shade lover, this plant is best grown in average, moist, well-drained soils. Drought tolerant once established.
  • Perfect as a specimen plant, for foundation plantings or rock gardens.
  • Requires very little pruning. Only prune to remove dead, broken, or poorly formed branches.
  • Propagate by grafting and semi-hardwood cuttings
  • Native to the Japanese islands of Honshu and Kyushu

Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 8
Climate Zones 2, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 15, 16, 17, A3
Plant Type Conifers, Shrubs
Plant Family Cupressaceae
Genus Chamaecyparis
Common names Japanese Cypress
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 1' - 5'
(30cm - 150cm)
Spread 1' - 5'
(30cm - 150cm)
Spacing 60" (150cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought
Garden Uses Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Prairie and Meadow, Gravel and Rock Garden, Traditional Garden, Informal and Cottage
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Chamaecyparis (False Cypress)
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Cupressus x leylandii (Leyland Cypress)
Chamaecyparis thyoides (Atlantic White Cedar)
Chamaecyparis nootkatensis ‘Green Arrow’ (Nootka Cypress)
Chamaecyparis pisifera Soft Serve® Gold (Sawara Cypress)
Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Curly Tops’ (Sawara Cypress)
Chamaecyparis pisifera Soft Serve® (Sawara Cypress)

Recommended Companion Plants

Berberis thunbergii ‘Atropurpurea Nana’ (Japanese Barberry)
Cotinus coggygria (Smokebush)
Achillea ‘Coronation Gold’
Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ (Montbretia)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

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Small Evergreen Shrubs for Year-Round Appeal
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 8
Climate Zones 2, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 15, 16, 17, A3
Plant Type Conifers, Shrubs
Plant Family Cupressaceae
Genus Chamaecyparis
Common names Japanese Cypress
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 1' - 5'
(30cm - 150cm)
Spread 1' - 5'
(30cm - 150cm)
Spacing 60" (150cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought
Garden Uses Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Prairie and Meadow, Gravel and Rock Garden, Traditional Garden, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Chamaecyparis (False Cypress)
Not sure which Chamaecyparis (False Cypress) to pick?
Compare Now

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