Species

Chamaecyparis lawsonianaPort Orford Cedar

1 other cultivar

‘Ellwoodii’Ellwoodii false cypress

shrubN. America Native

Elwood's Pygmy Lawson Cypress

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Elwood's Pygmy'

The Story

Plant Bio

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Elwood's Pygmy' is a compact, slow-growing conifer with dense, scale-like foliage and a rounded form, often used for low hedges or ornamental ground cover.

This cultivar is distinguished by its exceptionally small size and slow growth rate, making it ideal for small gardens and container planting, while maintaining lush, vibrant green foliage year-round.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round greenery and structure, perfect for small landscapes.

Dwarf size makes it ideal for borders and low hedges.

Supports local bird populations with dense foliage.

SpeciesChamaecyparis lawsonianaPort Orford Cedar

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

30 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Decades

Native To

Western North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Early spring – Late fall

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select well-draining loamy soil for planting.
Tuck seeds or cuttings into soil in early spring.
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
Mist cuttings to encourage root development over 6 weeks.
Transplant once established, typically after 1 year.
Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pro Tip

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

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
Prune lightly to maintain shape
Apply a layer of mulch annually
Monitor for pests and diseases

Don't

Avoid overwatering ❌
Do not fertilize late in the season
Refrain from heavy pruning in winter
Never plant in poorly drained areas

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

Slender evergreen hedgeSmall courtyard accent

Companion Plants

Japanese maple HostaFerns

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Elwood's Pygmy Lawson Cypress questions

What zones can Elwood's Pygmy Lawson Cypress grow in?

Elwood's Pygmy Lawson Cypress is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Elwood's Pygmy Lawson Cypress deer resistant?

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

When does Elwood's Pygmy Lawson Cypress bloom?

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

Does Elwood's Pygmy Lawson Cypress need full sun?

Elwood's Pygmy Lawson Cypress does best in full sun (6+ hours).