Everett, Wash.
Published: Thursday, June 25, 2009

Great plant pick: dwarf golden threadleaf cypress

 WHAT: Dwarf golden threadleaf cypress is a hardy evergreen conifer that forms a delicate, lacy mound in the garden. It is also known as chamaecyparis pisifera filifera aurea nana, a perfect botanical name for you to impress gardening snobs.

WHY PLANT IT: New growth emerges bright golden yellow and holds its color throughout the year. Older foliage takes on a dark green contrast, drawing attention to its bright new growth.

Its graceful mounding habit creates a waterfall-like effect and looks lovely when combined with boulders and rockeries.

WHERE: It prefers full sun and well-drained soils. It will tolerate clay and sandy conditions as long as drainage is adequate.

HOW: Water regularly for the first two years. Once it is established, it should require no additional watering, even during summer.

There are no serious insect pests or diseases and virtually no pruning is required.

Plant this cypress with other rounded or mounded shrubs. Viburnum davidii, cotoneaster adpressa and mahonia nervosa will harmonize well with the wispy growth of this evergreen.

ACTUAL SIZE: It is a long-lived slow grower with a 10-year size of about 4 feet tall and wide. Fully mature plants can eventually reach 8 feet tall, so avoid planting it near driveways and sidewalks or in front of windows.

LEARN MORE: See www.greatplantpicks.org.



Source: Great Plant Picks
© 2009The Daily Herald Co., Everett, WA