Species
Chamaecyparis pisiferaSawara Cypress16 other cultivars
‘Filifera Aurea’Golden Threadleaf False Cypress
‘Gold Mop’Gold Mop Cypress
‘Golden Mop’Golden Mop False Cypress
‘Golden Pin Cushion’Golden Pin Cushion Cypress
‘Snow’Snow Sawara Cypress
‘Boulevard’Boulevard Falsecypress
‘Squarrosa Dumosa’Squarrosa Dumosa Dwarf Sawara Cypress
‘Nana’Nana Dwarf Sawara Cypress
‘Silverlode’Silverlode False Cypress
‘Squarrosa Minima’Squarrosa Minima Japanese False Cypress
‘Gold Dust’Gold Dust Cypress
‘Filifera Aureovariegata’Filifera Aureovariegata Japanese Cypress
‘Aurea Nana’Aurea Nana Dwarf Golden Sawara Cypress
‘Filifera Aurea Nana’Dwarf Golden Threadleaf Cypress
‘Squarrosa Lutea’Squarrosa Lutea Japanese False Cypress
‘Minima Aureovariegata’Minima Aureovariegata Japanese falsecypress
The Story
Plant Bio
Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Squarrosa' is a compact, coniferous shrub with finely textured, bluish-green foliage that forms dense, bushy growth. Its upright, conical shape adds structure to garden landscapes.
This cultivar is distinguished by its distinctive squarrose, needle-like foliage that creates a unique, textured appearance, making it an attractive focal point in ornamental plantings.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
360 inches
Width
180 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Prefers moderate humidity
Lifespan
Long-lived
Native To
Japan
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Late fall
In flower about 1 month of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds or cuttings into well-drained soil in spring.
- Water regularly until established, about 6 weeks.
- Mist foliage during dry spells for best growth.
- Apply a slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
- Prune lightly in late winter to maintain shape.
- Mulch around base to retain moisture.
Pro Tip
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot and promote healthy growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
- Prune lightly in late winter ❌
- Mulch to conserve moisture
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t prune heavily during summer
- Keep away from compacted soils
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
Moss False Cypress questions
What zones can Moss False Cypress grow in?
Moss 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 Moss False Cypress deer resistant?
Yes — Moss False Cypress is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Moss False Cypress bloom?
Moss False 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 Moss False Cypress need full sun?
Moss False 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'
Blue Nootka Cypress
Chamaecyparis nootkatensis 'Glauca'
Nana Gracilis Dwarf Hinoki Cypress
Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Nana Gracilis'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Moss False 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.