Golden Dwarf Hinoki Cypress Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Nana Aurea'
ABOUT
The Hinoki cypress 'Nana Aurea' is a striking coniferous shrub known for its ornamental appeal. It possesses a dense, slow-growing habit with a somewhat conical or rounded shape like that of a miniature tree. The foliage of this plant is particularly eye-catching due to its golden-yellow color, which is most vibrant when the new growth emerges in the spring. The leaves are small, scale-like, and arranged in flat sprays that contribute to a soft, feathery texture when viewed up close. As the plant matures, the inner foliage tends to be a slightly deeper green, creating a lovely contrast with the golden tips. The overall visual effect is one of a glowing, radiant presence in the garden, which is especially luminous when backlit by the sun. Over time, the plant may develop ornamental, woody cones that are small and round, adding further interest to the plant's appearance throughout the seasons. The Hinoki cypress 'Nana Aurea' is appreciated for the color it brings to landscapes, its textural foliage, and the elegant, sculptural shape it maintains without the need for extensive pruning. As a result, it is often used in ornamental gardens, as an accent plant, or in rockeries where its unique attributes can be showcased. Its robust nature makes it a favored choice for creating visual focus points in a variety of garden settings.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Dwarf Golden Hinoki Cypress, Golden Dwarf Hinoki Cypress, Miniature Golden Hinoki Cypress.
Common names
Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Nana Aurea'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Hinoki cypress is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, ingesting parts of this plant might cause mild stomach upset. While severe toxicity is rare, it is advised to avoid consuming parts of this ornamental plant. In general, caution should be exercised to prevent ingestion, especially by children.
To pets
The Hinoki cypress is generally not considered toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. However, if pets ingest parts of this plant, they might experience mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. It is always best to discourage pets from eating ornamental plants, and any suspected ingestion should be monitored for adverse reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Golden
Height
2-4 feet (0.61-1.22 meters)
Spread
2-4 feet (0.61-1.22 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5-8
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: The 'Nana Aurea' variety is known for its beautiful golden foliage that adds visual interest to the landscape.
- Compact Size: Its dwarf form makes it suitable for small gardens or spaces where a full-sized tree would be too large.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, making it ideal for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Year-Round Interest: As an evergreen conifer, it maintains its foliage all year, providing consistent color and texture.
- Adaptability: It can adapt to a range of soil types, as long as there is good drainage.
- Wildlife Habitat: Provides shelter and nesting sites for birds and other small wildlife.
- Erosion Control: Its root system helps stabilize soil on slopes, preventing erosion.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of dry weather, reducing the need for constant watering.
- Windbreak: Can be used in a hedge or as a single specimen to provide a windbreak in windy locations.
- Privacy Screen: With strategic planting, it can form an effective privacy screen without taking up too much space.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Miniature Bonsai: Hinoki cypress 'Nana Aurea' is often used for creating miniature bonsai due to its slow growth habit and golden foliage, allowing enthusiasts to cultivate a striking, age-old tree in a small container.
- Aromatherapy: The aromatic wood of Hinoki cypress 'Nana Aurea' can be used in making essential oils for aromatherapy to induce relaxation and reduce stress.
- Model Crafting: The fine-grain quality of the wood from mature plants is excellent for precision work, such as model building or intricate carving.
- Specialty Furniture: Because of its beauty and durability, wood from Hinoki cypress 'Nana Aurea' can be used in crafting unique and high-end pieces of furniture.
- Garden Texture Contrast: Horticulturists might use Hinoki cypress 'Nana Aurea' to add a contrasting texture or color in garden designs due to its dense foliage and unique hue.
- Holiday Decor: The golden branches of Hinoki cypress 'Nana Aurea' can be used as a natural, decorative element in wreaths and other holiday decor.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may adopt the distinct form and color of the Hinoki cypress 'Nana Aurea' in their paintings or photographs, capturing the essence of Japanese gardens.
- Privacy Screens: Used in landscaping, Hinoki cypress 'Nana Aurea' can form part of a living privacy screen, providing seclusion without the use of fences or walls.
- Therapeutic Gardens: The plant can be included in therapeutic garden designs, particularly in sensory gardens where its soft texture and color offer visual and tactile stimuli.
- Woodworking: The Hinoki cypress 'Nana Aurea' can be utilized for small woodworking projects and crafts, taking advantage of its fine wood quality when fully grown.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Hinoki cypress is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Hinoki cypress is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity - The Hinoki Cypress is known for its long life, often living for hundreds of years; thus, it symbolizes longevity and endurance.
- Peace - Its calming scent and evergreen nature bring peace and tranquility to gardens, symbolizing serenity in the living space.
- Sacredness - In Japan, the wood of Hinoki Cypress is used in the construction of temples and shrines, signifying its sacred and divine nature.
- Strength - The wood is also valued for its durability and resistance to rot, making the plant represent strength and resilience.
WaterThe Dwarf Golden Hinoki Cypress should be watered deeply to ensure the root ball is thoroughly saturated. This water regimen should occur about once a week during dry spells. However, the frequency should be adjusted according to the soil moisture; allow the topsoil to dry out slightly between waterings. It's best to avoid frequent, shallow waterings, which do not encourage deep root growth. When watering, applying approximately 1 to 2 gallons of water to the root zone should be sufficient for young plants. Mature plants in the ground will typically rely on natural rainfall but may require supplemental watering during prolonged dry periods.
LightThe Dwarf Golden Hinoki Cypress prefers full sun to partial shade conditions. It thrives best in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Avoid placing it in deep shade, as this can result in decreased foliage density and diminished golden coloring.
TemperatureThe Dwarf Golden Hinoki Cypress can tolerate temperatures as low as -20°F and as high as 80°F, but it grows best in cooler climates, preferring a range between 40°F to 70°F. Extreme heat or cold may stress the plant, so it's important to select a site that offers protection from harsh winds and has moderate summer temperatures.
PruningPruning the Dwarf Golden Hinoki Cypress is mainly for maintaining its desirable shape and removing any dead or damaged branches. Pruning should be done sparingly and is best performed in the late winter or early spring before the onset of new growth. The plant does not require regular pruning, so annual or biennial checks should suffice.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGolden Dwarf Hinoki Cypress prefers a well-draining soil mix consisting of equal parts loam, peat moss, and sharp sand to ensure adequate drainage and aeration. A slightly acidic to neutral pH, ranging from 5.0 to 7.0, is ideal for this plant.
RepottingThe Golden Dwarf Hinoki Cypress should be repotted every two to three years to prevent root bounding and to refresh the soil. Younger plants may require more frequent repotting, whereas mature specimens can be repotted less often.
Humidity & MistingGolden Dwarf Hinoki Cypress thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 50-70%. Consistent humidity is beneficial, but the plant can tolerate lower levels without significant harm.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow Golden Dwarf Hinoki Cypress indoors with bright, indirect light and good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant outdoors in partial shade to full sun with moist, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Hinoki cypress 'Nana Aurea' begins its life cycle when its seeds germinate, usually requiring a well-drained soil medium. The seedlings then grow into juvenile plants, establishing a root system and developing the distinctive golden-tinted, scale-like foliage. As the plant matures, it enters its adult phase, growing slowly into a dense, dwarf conifer with a conical form that can reach up to 3-6 feet tall and 2-4 feet wide. Throughout its adult life, the Hinoki cypress 'Nana Aurea' will produce cones—small and globular—which contain the seeds for the next generation. The plant achieves its ornamental peak when it is fully mature with its foliage displaying varying hues depending on the season, with spring growth often showing brighter golden colors. The Hinoki cypress 'Nana Aurea' can live for many decades, even centuries, with minimal care, barring any extreme conditions or diseases that may shorten its lifespan.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter to early spring
The Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Nana Aurea', commonly known as the Golden Dwarf Hinoki Cypress, is typically propagated using softwood cuttings. This method is popular because it often yields the best results for this particular plant. In the late spring to early summer, when new growth is soft and green, cuttings about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) in length are taken. The lower one-third of the needles should be stripped from the cutting, and the base of the cutting is dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. Then, the prepared cuttings are placed in a well-aerated rooting medium such as sand or a mixture of peat and perlite, ensuring high humidity and consistent moisture while avoiding direct sunlight. Rooting can take several weeks, after which the new plants can be gradually acclimated to their growing conditions before being transplanted.
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