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Key characteristics

Family: Cupressaceae
Height: 6 ft to 8 ft
Width: 3 ft to 4 ft
Flower color: Reddish pollen cones
Foliage color: Rich deep green fans with layered shell like sprays
Bloom time: Spring
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Moderate
Maintenance: Low; prune selectively only as needed to maintain shape
Growing zone: USDA zones 5 to 8
Wildlife: Songbirds use the dense evergreen branches for shelter and nesting sites

Shrubs

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Paul's Select'

Paul's Select Hinoki False Cypress

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Paul's Select' features rich green foliage arranged in layered fans, creating a dense evergreen canopy with a refined texture that remains attractive throughout the year. Soft, scale-like sprays are held on gracefully arching branches, giving the plant depth and a sculptural quality. Small reddish male cones and inconspicuous female cones appear in spring, adding subtle seasonal interest among the foliage. Fresh growth emerges with lighter green tones, enhancing the intricate branching pattern and year-round color.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Sun Gardens
Rock Gardens
Containers
Foundation Plantings

Companion plants

Thyme · English lavender · Dianthus · Blue oat grass · Euphorbias · Globe thistle

Design tip

Layered, arching foliage gives this Hinoki cypress a naturally sculptural quality, so it can bring definition to an area without needing flowers for impact. Consider it near a garden corner or change in direction, where its distinctive form can help organize the surrounding space.