Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Sunspray'
Sunspray Hinoki Cypress
- Family
- Cupressaceae
- Height
- 4 to 6 ft
- Width
- 4 to 6 ft
- Flower color
- Inconspicuous; small seed cones rather than showy flowers
- Foliage color
- Bright lime-gold evergreen sprays deeper green inside the plant where shaded
- Bloom time
- Spring, with small seed cones
- Light
- Full sun to part shade
- Water
- Medium
- Maintenance
- Low; slow-growing, naturally upright pyramidal habit needing little pruning
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 5 to 8
- Wildlife
- Evergreen structure provides year-round cover and shelter for small birds and other garden wildlife
About this plant
Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Sunspray' is an evergreen Hinoki cypress with an upright, informal pyramidal form and luminous golden foliage. Fan-like sprays of soft, scale-like leaves show creamy gold to warm lime tones, while shaded interior growth stays deeper green. Dense, layered branching creates a sculpted look that works well in borders, rock gardens, and containers.
Native to Japan in the wild, Hinoki cypress has long been valued for timber and gardens, and 'Sunspray' arose at Duncan & Davies Nursery in New Zealand before entering the nursery trade in the early 1990s. In spring, tiny pollen cones mark the blooming season, followed by small brown seed cones that nestle among the foliage.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Rock Gardens · Containers · Specimen Plants
Companion plants
Yarrow · Oregon grape · Coreopsis · Blanket flower · Phlox · Bulgarian honey garlic
Design tip
Golden foliage can brighten a garden throughout the year, especially when surrounded by deeper greens that make the color stand out. Its informal pyramidal shape also adds gentle height, creating a useful vertical accent without the stiffness of a tightly columnar evergreen.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at Vista Gardens.
