Chamaecyparis Pisifera Sungold Sawara Cypress

Chamaecyparis Pisifera Sungold or Sawara Cypress Sungold
Chamaecyparis is a genus of evergreen conifers commonly known as False Cypress, prized for their scale-like foliage and small spherical cones. The species Chamaecyparis Pisifera or Sawara Cypress originates from the Japanese islands of Honshu and Kyushu and stands out as one of the most cold-hardy of the False Cypress families.

Raised in the USA from a Filifera Aurea seedling and introduced to Europe in 1969, ‘Sungold’, as its name suggests, is an evergreen conifer shrub with foliage that unfolds a vibrant golden-yellow, before maturing to bright lime green. Sungold is a slow growing conifer bush or shrub with very attractive soft foliage that looks like a dome of delicate lacey golden strings.

Despite appearances, Sungold is very tough and adaptable to extreme climates. The branches have a spreading, drooping habit so Sawara Cypress Sungold has an attractive dome shape. It also produces small pea-like cones. As a testament to its outstanding qualities, Chamaecyparis Pisifera Sungold received the prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM) by the Royal Horticultural Society.

Height and Spread of Chamaecyparis Pisifera Sungold
A slow growing and compact conifer shrub, Sawara Cypress Sungold will grow to be up to 1 metre tall with a spread of up to 1.5 metres, in a period of 10 years.

How Hardy is Chamaecyparis Pisifera Sungold
Sawara Cypress Sungold is fully hardy in the United Kingdom. It will survive the severest European climates, and it is capable of withstanding both extreme cold and extreme heat.

How To Use Chamaecyparis Pisifera Sungold
Sawara Cypress Sungold is a low-maintenance plant that introduces both year-round texture and colour to the garden. Grow on its own as a lawn specimen, or in group plantings such as mixed shrub borders. Alternatively, you can plant Sawara Cypress Sungold as an informal evergreen screen.

How To Care For Chamaecyparis Pisifera Sungold
An undemanding shrub, Sawara Cypress Sungold does well in full sun to partial shade and any moist but well-drained soil. It does prefer slightly acidic soils, but it will tolerate chalk.