Species

Chamaecyparis obtusaHinoki Cypress

31 other cultivars

shrub

Golden Fernspray Hinoki Cypress

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Golden Fernspray'

The Story

Plant Bio

Chamaecyparis obtusa is an evergreen conifer native to temperate forest habitats in Japan and Taiwan. The species forms reddish-brown peeling bark with age and produces flattened branchlets clothed in tightly overlapping scale-like foliage.

'Fernspray Gold' features horizontal, arching branch tiers clad in deeply dissected, fern-like sprays. New foliage emerges bright golden-yellow on exterior surfaces, creating a sharp contrast against the deeper yellow-green interior foliage.

Uses & Benefits:

Striking yellow fern-like foliage tiers provide year-round color contrast and architectural texture.

Low maintenance conifer with natural deer resistance and no required routine pruning.

Dense evergreen branching provides shelter and roosting cover for small songbirds.

SpeciesChamaecyparis obtusaHinoki Cypress

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

144"

Width

96"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Japan, Taiwan

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with moist, organically rich, well-draining soil.
Dig a planting hole twice as wide as the root ball and equal to its depth.
Set the plant into the hole so the root collar sits level with or slightly above the surrounding grade.
Water thoroughly to settle soil around the roots and apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch around the base.

Pro Tip

Never cut back into old, leafless wood, as Hinoki cypresses cannot regenerate shoots from bare stems.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in rich, moist soil with high internal drainage.
Provide light afternoon shade in hot southern climates to prevent foliage scorch.
Apply a slow-release acidic evergreen fertilizer in early spring.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, waterlogged soils subject to standing water.
Do not prune hard into old, bare branches lacking green needles.
Do not allow young plants to dry out completely during summer droughts.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen PlantMixed Shrub BorderRock Garden AccentArchitectural Screen

Companion Plants

Acer palmatum Heuchera Rhododendron Buxus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Golden Fernspray Hinoki Cypress questions

What zones can Golden Fernspray Hinoki Cypress grow in?

Golden Fernspray Hinoki 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 Golden Fernspray Hinoki Cypress deer resistant?

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

When does Golden Fernspray Hinoki Cypress bloom?

Golden Fernspray Hinoki Cypress typically blooms in spring through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Golden Fernspray Hinoki Cypress need full sun?

Golden Fernspray Hinoki Cypress does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Golden Fernspray Hinoki Cypress drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Golden Fernspray Hinoki Cypress handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.