Yellow Hinoki Cypress

Light Needs

Mature Height

Mature Spread

Growing Zones

The Yellow Hinoki Cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Confucius') is a semi-dwarf, evergreen conifer in the cypress family, valued for its stunning year-round color and tidy upright form. Its soft, scale-like foliage grows in flat, fan-shaped sprays with bright lemon-yellow tips and deeper gold and green tones toward the interior. At maturity, this slow-growing tree reaches 10 to 12 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide with a broad, pyramidal shape. It is an excellent choice for adding color and structure to smaller landscapes throughout every season.

Yellow Hinoki Cypress works well as a specimen, accent planting, or low hedge in residential gardens. Its compact size is a natural fit for small yards, foundation plantings, and patio containers. The colorful foliage provides strong visual interest even in winter when the rest of the garden has faded. This tree is low-maintenance and tolerates pollution, making it a dependable choice for a wide range of settings.

Yellow Hinoki Cypress Care

Plant your Yellow Hinoki Cypress in full sun to partial shade, aiming for at least a few hours of direct sunlight daily to maintain the brightest foliage color. It adapts to a range of soil types including clay, loam, and sand, as long as drainage is good. Water newly planted trees regularly until established, then reduce to watering during extended dry periods. A sheltered location protected from harsh winds will help this tree thrive, and it performs best in humid conditions.

Apply a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer in the spring to support healthy growth. This tree requires very little pruning and is naturally tidy in form. Remove any damaged or dead branches as needed. If light shaping is desired, prune during the dormant season to avoid stressing the plant.

Yellow Hinoki Cypress Spacing

Space Yellow Hinoki Cypresses 6 to 8 feet apart to allow for their mature spread and good air circulation. Their compact size makes them well-suited for tight spaces, small yards, and planting along foundations or patios. When used as a container plant, choose a large, sturdy pot at least 14" wide with good drainage. Avoid planting in waterlogged areas, as consistently wet soil can lead to root rot.

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