Port Orford Cedar
Chamaecyparis lawsoniana
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
600 inches
Width
240 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Medium
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
50+ years
Native To
Western North America
Toxicity
Low toxicity; sap may cause skin irritation
The Story
Plant Bio
Chamaecyparis lawsoniana, commonly known as Port Orford Cedar, is a tall, evergreen conifer with a conical shape and flattened sprays of scale-like, aromatic, blue-green to gray-green foliage. This species is native to a small coastal area of southern Oregon and northern California. It is susceptible to a fatal root rot, particularly in heavy, poorly-drained soils.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Select a well-drained, slightly acidic soil for planting.
- Tuck seeds or cuttings into moist soil, keeping roots cool and moist.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity during rooting.
- Transplant seedlings when they are strong and have established roots, typically after 1-2 years.
- Space plants 3-4 feet apart to allow for mature growth.
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro Tip
Use well-draining soil and provide partial shade for optimal growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly, especially during dry spells 💧
- Prune lightly to maintain shape and remove dead branches ✂️
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not prune heavily in late fall or winter ❌
- Refrain from planting in compacted or poorly drained soil ❌
- Avoid exposure to harsh, direct midday sun in very hot climates ❌
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Port Orford Cedar questions
What zones can Port Orford Cedar grow in?
Port Orford Cedar 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 Port Orford Cedar deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Port Orford Cedar, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Port Orford Cedar bloom?
Port Orford Cedar typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Port Orford Cedar need full sun?
Port Orford Cedar does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Chamaecyparis to compare
Golden Threadleaf False Cypress
Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Filifera Aurea'
Meth Dwarf Atlantic White Cedar
Chamaecyparis thyoides 'Meth Dwarf'
Webb Gold Atlantic White Cedar
Chamaecyparis thyoides 'Webb Gold'
Kosteri Hinoki Cypress
Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Kosteri'
Dwarf Hinoki Cypress
Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Nana Gracilis'
Atlantic White Cedar
Chamaecyparis thyoides 'Rubicon'
Keep exploring
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Grow Port Orford Cedar with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
