Species

Chamaecyparis pisiferaSawara Cypress

16 other cultivars

shrub

Snow Sawara Cypress

Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Snow'

The Story

Plant Bio

Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Snow' is an evergreen conifer with dense, feathery foliage that displays a soft, silvery-white hue, forming a compact, pyramidal to rounded shape throughout the year.

This cultivar is distinguished by its striking snow-white foliage, which provides a luminous contrast in garden landscapes and maintains its color with minimal pruning.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round greenery with soft, silvery foliage, enhancing landscape texture.

Excellent for privacy screens and windbreaks, drought tolerant once established.

Supports local bird species and maintains soil stability.

SpeciesChamaecyparis pisiferaSawara Cypress

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

36 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Decades

Native To

Japan

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late fall

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a sunny location with well-drained loamy soil.
Tuck seeds or cuttings into soil after the last frost in spring.
Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity, about 6 weeks.
Water deeply once a week during dry periods.
Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Prune lightly in late winter to maintain shape.

Pro Tip

Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot and promote healthy growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during first two years 🌱
Mulch to conserve moisture
Prune lightly in late winter

Don't

Avoid overwatering ❌
Don’t prune in late summer
Avoid compacted soil

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Plant
Prune
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Silvery evergreen hedgeBackground plant for winter interest

Companion Plants

Hostas Ferns Japanese maples

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Snow Sawara Cypress questions

What zones can Snow Sawara Cypress grow in?

Snow Sawara 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 Snow Sawara Cypress deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Snow Sawara Cypress, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Snow Sawara Cypress bloom?

Snow Sawara Cypress typically blooms in late fall through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Snow Sawara Cypress need full sun?

Snow Sawara Cypress does best in full sun (6+ hours).