Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'IVONNE' ('Yvonne')

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.

Ivonne (or sometimes spelled Yvonne) is a Lawson cypress variety with almost flat, soft needles of bright greeny-yellow colour from spring to summer, changing to golden-yellow in winter. It grows medium fast into a columnar shape when young, slightly wider at the base with age.

It is very hardy, but still we recommend planting coloured varieties in sheltered locations if you live in mountainous regions so that the cypress is protected from the worst winds. All plants will survive but might look unsightly in the spring. It is tolerant of all types of pruning. It prefers moist, slightly acidic soil but is adaptable to almost all types of soil. Fully hardy to approx. -29°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 10-01-2008; 20-01-2010