Species

Chamaecyparis obtusaHinoki Cypress

28 other cultivars

tree

Wells Special Hinoki Cypress

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Wells Special'

The Story

Plant Bio

Chamaecyparis obtusa, or Hinoki Cypress, is a slow-growing evergreen conifer native to Japan, known for its high-quality timber and graceful, aromatic foliage.

'Wells Special' is a full-sized cultivar that maintains a dense, uniform, and broadly pyramidal shape without pruning, featuring handsome dark green foliage.

Uses & Benefits:

A highly architectural evergreen, 'Wells Special' provides a strong, formal, pyramidal presence in the landscape. Its dark green, fan-like foliage offers a fine texture and year-round beauty, making it an exceptional specimen plant.

Its dense, uniform growth habit makes it an excellent choice for creating a formal privacy screen or hedge that requires little to no shearing to maintain its shape. It is a good vertical accent in mixed borders.

The dense evergreen branches provide excellent cover and potential nesting sites for birds, offering protection from predators and harsh winter weather. It contributes to the local ecosystem by providing year-round habitat structure.

SpeciesChamaecyparis obtusaHinoki Cypress

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

216"

Width

108"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Prefers moderate to high

Lifespan

Very long-lived

Native To

Japan (species)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site with sun or part shade and moist, well-drained soil.
Protect the location from harsh winter winds.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball.
Set the tree so the root flare is at or slightly above ground level.
Backfill with soil, water thoroughly to settle.
Mulch around the base, avoiding contact with the trunk.

Pro Tip

Protect from harsh, drying winter winds, especially when young, to prevent foliage burn and desiccation.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent moisture, especially in hot weather.
Mulch to keep roots cool and moist.
Site in a location protected from strong winds.

Don't

Do not let the soil dry out completely.
Avoid planting in heavy, wet clay.
Do not expose to strong, sweeping winter winds.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Mulch

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Elegant evergreen specimen treeGraceful privacy screen or hedgeArchitectural accent for formal gardens

Companion Plants

Acer palmatum Rhododendron Hosta Pieris japonica Hakonechloa macra

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Wells Special Hinoki Cypress questions

What zones can Wells Special Hinoki Cypress grow in?

Wells Special 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 Wells Special Hinoki Cypress deer resistant?

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

Does Wells Special Hinoki Cypress need full sun?

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