Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'ELLWOODII'

Lawson cypress is native to northwestern America, from Oregon to northern California. It was first discovered by European Americans near Port Orford, Oregon, and was introduced to horticultural market in 1854. It was described by the Scottish botanist Andrew Murray (1812-1878) and named after another Scottish botanist and merchant, Charles Lawson (1795-1873), who became famous by importing new plant species from America to Britain. This cypress tree was one of his discoveries. It is a hardy, evergreen conifer with soft, scale-like needles. Perhaps all over the world in temperate climates, it is widely planted in gardens and parks and is popular for its variability. There are many colourful varieties that brighten up compositions of dark green shrubs and trees and perform also in decorative outdoor containers.

Ellwoodii is a useful and sought-after variety of Lawson cypress with blue-green to steal-blue foliage. It is a slow growing, evergreen conifer of very dense growth and columnar habit. It keeps its perfect shape of a fat pillar without a single cut and forms multiple tips at the top which makes it look rather attractive especially among single-leader plants. It requires no care or pruning.

False cypress prefers moist but well-drained, slightly acidic soil but is adaptable to almost all types of soil. It can be pruned, sheared or shaped from spring to autumn. Grow it in full sun or half shade either in a garden bed or in an outdoor pot. Fully hardy to min. -29°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 27-11-2013