Chamaecyparis nootkatensis 'PENDULA' Nootka cypress

Weeping forms of nootka cypress are darlings among conifers. Their unique structure makes the tree look like a conifer with veils. Pendula is a variety where the main branches are horizontal and deflected, lateral branches are 100% drooping. New growths are thread-like, covered with medium green, scale-like needles with blue-green hues.

We know that the species comes from North America (Alaska, British Columbia) but we found the botanists puzzled when they are to name it correctly. It appears that the plant hybridizes readily with anything willing to cross hence the difficulties with its classification. Formerly it was called cupressus, later xanthocyparis, now we believe that chamaecyparis is the right thing, but some foresee its future as callitropsis.

Weeping nootka cypress is not a tiny piece but a show-stopping specimen. Adult plants in gardens reach 6 to 10 m tall, but those in parks and arboretums with unlimited space for root system can grow twice as much. It dislikes air pollution. Once established it does not require any care and is disease resistant. It prefers moist, slightly acidic soil but is adaptable to almost all types of soil. Fully hardy to -34°C (USDA zone 4).

Last update 10-01-2008, 08-09-2019