Dwarf Hinoki Cypress
Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Nana Gracilis'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
36 inches
Width
36 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Long-lived
Native To
Japan
Toxicity
Generally non-toxic, but sap may cause skin irritation.
The Story
Plant Bio
Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Nana Gracilis' is a slow-growing, dwarf evergreen conifer with an irregular pyramidal shape. It features dense, tiered branches with rich dark green, scale-like foliage arranged in shell-like sprays. This cultivar is prized for its slow growth rate and beautiful, textured foliage, making it an excellent choice for rock gardens, container plantings, and small spaces.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck well-draining soil around roots
- Mist cuttings regularly for root development
- Plant in partial shade for best color
- Water deeply after planting, keep moist
- Apply mulch to retain moisture
- Prune lightly to maintain shape
Pro Tip
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot and protect from harsh winter winds.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Prune to shape in early spring
- Mulch annually to conserve moisture
Don't
- Avoid overwatering in winter ❌
- Don’t fertilize late in the season
- Refrain from heavy pruning during the growing season
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
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
Dwarf Hinoki Cypress questions
What zones can Dwarf Hinoki Cypress grow in?
Dwarf Hinoki 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 Dwarf Hinoki Cypress deer resistant?
Yes — Dwarf Hinoki Cypress is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Dwarf Hinoki Cypress bloom?
Dwarf Hinoki 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 Dwarf Hinoki Cypress need full sun?
Dwarf Hinoki Cypress 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'
Atlantic White Cedar
Chamaecyparis thyoides 'Rubicon'
Blue Nootka Cypress
Chamaecyparis nootkatensis 'Glauca'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Dwarf Hinoki Cypress 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.
