Chamaecyparis pisifera 'SQUARROSA ALBOSPICA' Sawara cypress
size/type
medium-sized shrub,medium-sized shrub
usual height
1-2m
usual width
1-1,3m
leaves
evergreen conifer
colour of leaves
flowers
insignificant or non-blooming
location
full sun
USDA zone (lowest)
4 (down to -34°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
Description of the plant:
Squarrosa is a special group of Sawara cypress. The varieties inside this group vary significantly with size, foliage colour and shape. Squarrosa Albospica is a unique and at this time hard to find variety as it seems to have been replaced with another variety called Mariesii with similar characteristics. Still, Squarrosa Albospica has features that are unique. It makes short sprays of lacy foliage that emerges soft green and matures blue-grey with purely creamy white ends about 1-3 cm long. This variegation creates a gorgeous effect that the plant is covered with stardust. The bark is reddish-brown. It grows slowly or moderately, and its ultimate size is commonly around 2m but varies with location.Sawara cypress prefers moist, slightly acid soil but is adaptable to most soil types provided it is well-drained. It can take strong frosts but dislikes extremely hot summers in dry soils, though, it loves full sun. Keep it mulched at all times to keep the soil most. No pruning is necessary but trimming can be done in early spring after all frosts. Never cut into old wood. Fully hardy to -34°C (USDA zone 4).
Last update 15-02-2012
