Evergreen, Shrubs, Trees
Conifers ranging from rock garden shrublets to timber trees. Sometimes mistaken for arborvitae (Thuja), but arborvitae’s leaves are entirely green, while false cypresses have white lines on leaf undersides. Most have two distinct types of foliage: juvenile and mature. Juvenile leaves are short, needlelike, soft but often prickly; they appear on young plants and some new growth of larger trees. Mature foliage consists of tiny, scalelike, overlapping leaves. Cones are small and round.
All of the many varieties sold are forms of five species’two from western U.S., two from Japan, one from eastern U.S. New varieties appear each year, while older ones lose market share. Mislabeling is common, since many of these plants closely resemble one another. Numerous dwarf and variegated kinds are available, providing a rich array of choices for bonsai and rock gardens.
Pinch out or cut back tips of new growth to control size and shape; don’t cut back into old, leafless wood. All types, including trees, can be sheared into hedges. All need good drainage and protection from wind.
Pyramidal, 60-ft.-tall Western timber tree with lacy, drooping foliage. Species is seldom seen in gardens, but its varieties are used there.Chamaecyparis obtusa
Native to Japan. The species grows 30 ft. tall, but most Hinoki cypresses are selected varieties. There are dozens of golden, dwarf, and fern-leafed forms.Chamaecyparis pisifera
Japanese native to 20–30 ft., rarely seen except in its garden varieties.
Native from Arizona to Texasand Mexico. To 4–10 ft. tall and3–8 ft. wide. Narrow leaflets.Blooms from ...
Close relatives of coleus; native to many tropical regions of the world. They have square stems, oppos...
Native from western Mediterranean to central Asia. Golden yellow, 1/2-in. flowers, one on each 6- to 9...