Species

Chamaecyparis pisiferaSawara Cypress

18 other cultivars

shrub

King's Gold False Cypress

Chamaecyparis pisifera 'King's Gold'

$29.95

The Story

Plant Bio

Chamaecyparis pisifera, native to the Japanese islands of Honshu and Kyushu, is a coniferous evergreen shrub or tree in the cypress family. In cultivation, it is valued for its fine, thread-like texture, flexible branching, and exceptionally high cold hardiness.

'King's Gold' is a dwarf, mounding to spreading evergreen cultivar featuring bright golden-yellow, whip-like foliage that retains its color throughout the year. It grows three to five feet tall and up to six feet wide, providing reliable architectural form and foliage contrast in borders.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round golden color and a fine, arching thread-like foliage texture in mixed borders.

Low-maintenance shrub once established, requiring minimal pruning and demonstrating good cold tolerance.

Provides dense evergreen cover and shelter for songbirds and beneficial garden insects.

SpeciesChamaecyparis pisiferaSawara Cypress

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

60"

Width

72"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate to High

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Japan (East Asia)

Toxicity

Non-toxic (foliage may cause contact skin irritation)

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Garden Goods Direct

In Stock$29.95

Sooner Plant Farm

1+ Gal Pot

In Stock$45.00

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun to partial shade with fertile, well-draining, organically rich soil.
Dig a planting hole twice as wide as the root ball and at the same depth, keeping the root crown level with the soil surface.
Backfill with native soil mixed with organic matter, firm down gently, and water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets.
Apply a 2-inch layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the central stem.

Pro Tip

Plant in full sun for maximum foliage saturation and never shear into bare inner wood, as cypress stems lack latent buds and cannot regenerate from leafless branches.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent moisture during the first two growing seasons until the root system establishes.
Plant in full sun to encourage the brightest golden foliage coloration.
Ensure soil drainage is exceptional to protect against root rot pathogens.

Don't

Do not prune back into old, bare wood because it will not regrow.
Do not plant in heavy, wet clay or low spots where water pools.
Do not shear into tight geometric shapes, which destroys its natural thread-like texture.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Foundation PlantingRock GardenMass PlantingSpecimen/Focal PointBorder Edging

Companion Plants

Heuchera Acer palmatum Picea glauca Berberis thunbergii

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

King's Gold False Cypress questions

What zones can King's Gold False Cypress grow in?

King's Gold False Cypress is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is King's Gold False Cypress deer resistant?

Yes — King's Gold False Cypress is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does King's Gold False Cypress bloom?

King's Gold False Cypress typically blooms in spring through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does King's Gold False Cypress need full sun?

King's Gold False Cypress does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is King's Gold False Cypress drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), King's Gold False Cypress handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.