Hinoki False Cypress 'Gracilis Nana'

Hinoki Cypress 'Nana Gracilis' (Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Nana Gracilis') is a dwarf conifer that looks assembled from green seashells. The glossy dark green scale foliage folds into dense wavy fans, and the crown looks hand-made although it needs no clipping at all.

This is a classic of Japanese gardens, rock gardens, entrance plantings and large containers. At 10 years the plant stands about 0.9-1.6 m and with age turns from a ball into a broad cone, so give it more room than the truly miniature cultivars such as 'Nana'.

Key characteristics:

• What makes it special: Each spray folds into a dense fan, and underneath it is ruled with silvery stripes.
• Dimensions: At 10 years it grows to 0.9-1.6 m tall and 0.6-1.2 m wide.
• Hardiness: Hardy to -34 °C (USDA zone 4).
• Light: It grows both in full sun and in partial shade, yet it is in the sun that it shows at its best.
• Soil: It loves moderately moist, fertile and well-drained soil; avoid wet, stagnant spots.
• Watering: Water moderately and evenly - neither drying out nor standing water at the roots.
• Care: Care is minimal and trimming is not needed; better to choose a spot sheltered from wind.
• Landscape use: A wonderful small specimen or accent - for rock gardens, Japanese gardens, planting by the house and containers.
• Origin: The cultivar was brought into cultivation in 1867 by the English nursery H. Rogers & Son of Chandler's Ford; the introducer was R. Smith.