Japanese falsecypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Sungold') plant — close-up photo
Easy to grow

Japanese falsecypress

Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Sungold'

Overview

Japanese falsecypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Sungold') is an incredible coniferous shrub that features beautiful foliage. Its rich golden color radiates in the sunlight and makes any garden pop with vibrancy. These fast-growing plants don’t require much maintenance, and are highly tolerant to cold temperatures. Perfect for creating hedges, borders, and accent spacings, Japanese falsecypress looks beautiful in traditional motifs as well as contemporary designs. They are an all-season show stopper that blooms yellow seed clusters in the summer, and sprouts bright berries in the winter. Their versatility and easy-care attributes make them a popular choice for any garden.

Care Guide

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Watering

Japanese falsecypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Sungold') is an evergreen conifer that prefers regular watering when it's actively growing in the warmer months of spring and summer, though it can tolerate a bit of drought. It should receive 1 deep watering every 7-10 days, to a depth of 12-15 inches (30-38cm), depending on soil type, type of container, and climate. If the area where it is growing receives regular rainfall, then no additional water is necessary. In drought conditions, it is important to give the plant additional water. During the fall and winter when growth is less active, it should be watered less often to avoid root rot.

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Light

Japanese falsecypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Sungold') prefers direct sunlight for up to 6 hours a day in the morning or mid-afternoon, when the sun's rays are not too harsh. The plant can tolerate some shade but will need to be protected from the midday sun, as it can dry out the foliage and cause leaf burn. It is best to place the plant in an area that receives filtered sunlight, such as near a south- or west-facing window. Sunlight is an essential part of rapidly growing foliage and brighten up the yellow-green foliage of the Sungold cultivar of Japanese falsecypress.

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Temperature

Hardiness zone 4–4.

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Pruning

Pruning of Japanese Falsecypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Sungold') should be done in late winter or early spring. Pruning should be moderate and minimal, removing no more than 1/3 of the branches at a time. This will help to maintain the shrubby and cascading form of the plant.

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Propagation

Cutting, Grafting Propagation, Layering Propagation, Division

Diseases & Pests

Common pests: Pest resistant, Disease resistant.

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