Hinoki Cypress Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Nana Gracilis'
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as the Dwarf Hinoki Cypress features dense, rich green foliage that exhibits a somewhat conical shape with gently curved tips. Its leaves are arranged in a spray-like pattern, presenting a soft, feathery texture that is both lush and compact. The foliage presents a deep, dark green hue at the tips, while the interior may show slightly lighter shades, providing a subtle contrast that adds depth to its appearance. Young growths often exhibit a brighter green coloration before maturing to match the darker tone of the older leaves. The bark on the Dwarf Hinoki Cypress has a rugged appeal, with a reddish-brown color that can peel off in narrow strips, adding to the plant's visual interest. The overall form of the plant is gracefully irregular, with a naturally sculptural quality that makes it a popular choice for ornamental use in gardens and landscapes. The texture of the Dwarf Hinoki Cypress' foliage is quite unique, as the leaves are tiny and scale-like, closely hugging the plant's fan-shaped branchlets, which spread out in flat planes. This configuration gives the plant its distinctive feathery look. The tree does not bear conspicuous flowers; instead, it displays small cones that are not particularly showy but may add a subtle textural element.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Cupressaceae
Synonyms
Dwarf Hinoki Cypress, Slender Hinoki Cypress, Compact Hinoki Cypress, Miniature Hinoki Cypress, Gracilis Nana Hinoki Cypress
Common names
Retinispora obtusa, Chamaecyparis obtusa, Cupressus obtusa.
ToxicityTo humans
Hinoki cypress is considered non-toxic to humans. There are no significant toxic effects reported from ingesting parts of this plant.
To pets
Hinoki cypress is also considered non-toxic to pets. It should not cause any serious symptoms of poisoning if pets ingest parts of this plant. However, non-toxic does not mean that it is safe for pets to consume in large quantities, as this can lead to gastrointestinal upset or other non-toxic related issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Height
3-6 feet [0.9-1.8 meters]
Spread
2-4 feet [0.6-1.2 meters]
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5-8
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Compact Size: Perfect for small gardens or spaces, requiring less room to grow than larger varieties.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care and is relatively drought tolerant.
- Ornamental Appeal: Provides year-round visual interest with its dense, slow-growing, fan-like foliage.
- Privacy Screen: Can be used as a hedge or screen to provide privacy due to its evergreen nature.
- Soil Erosion Control: Its root system helps stabilize soil on slopes and prevent erosion.
- Wildlife Habitat: Offers shelter and nesting sites for birds and small wildlife.
- Durable Wood: The wood is rot-resistant and can be used for various construction purposes.
- Cultural Significance: It is often used in bonsai and traditional Japanese gardens for aesthetic purposes.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Miniature Bonsai: Due to its slow growth and compact form, Hinoki cypress 'Nana Gracilis' is an excellent choice for miniature bonsai, giving enthusiasts the opportunity to shape and train the tree into a living sculpture over many years.
- Architectural Model Making: The fine-grained, dense foliage can be used by architects and model makers to represent trees and landscapes in scale models due to its realistic miniature tree appearance.
- Fairy Gardens: It is ideal for use in fairy gardens where its dwarf nature and aesthetic appeal can be used to create a whimsical, miniature forest setting.
- Photography Props: Photographers may use the plant as a prop in close-up photography to simulate larger forest scenes or for botanical photography due to its intricate leaf patterns.
- Design Inspiration: Designers and artists may take inspiration from its unique form and texture for patterns in textiles, wallpaper, or other decorative arts.
- Religious Ornaments: Some cultures might use the foliage to create ornaments or tokens for religious or spiritual ceremonies due to the tree's connection to nature and tranquility.
- Festive Decorations: Its evergreen nature and attractive shape make it a suitable addition to festive decorations, especially during Christmas time.
- Education: This plant can serve as an educational tool to teach about plant growth, conifers, and horticultural practices in schools or workshops.
- Culinary Presentation: Chefs could use the small branches as an aesthetic element in the presentation of gourmet dishes, especially where a theme of nature or forest is desired.
- Corporate Gifting: Small potted 'Nana Gracilis' Hinoki cypress trees can be used as eco-friendly, long-lasting corporate gifts or tokens of appreciation to clients and employees who appreciate nature.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiDwarf Hinoki Cypress is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityDwarf Hinoki Cypress is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity: Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Nana Gracilis', commonly known as Hinoki Cypress, is known for its longevity, growing slowly but living for many years, symbolizing endurance and the passage of time.
- Peace: The tree is often associated with tranquility and calmness, creating a peaceful atmosphere, which makes it a common choice for Zen gardens.
- Purity: With its evergreen foliage and pleasant fragrance, Hinoki Cypress is seen as a symbol of purity and cleanliness, often used in sacred spaces.
- Sacredness: In Japan, the wood from Hinoki Cypress is used to build temples and shrines, imbuing the plant with a sense of sacredness and divinity.
- Resilience: Hinoki Cypress demonstrates resilience, able to withstand various climates and conditions, making it a symbol for adaptability and strength.
WaterThe Dwarf Hinoki Cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Nana Gracilis') prefers consistent moisture, so water it when the top couple of inches of soil feel dry, typically about once a week. During the growing season, you might need to water it more frequently, especially if the weather is particularly hot or windy. The amount of water needed can vary, but generally, you should aim to provide about 1-2 gallons per watering, ensuring even distribution around the plant without over-saturating the soil. During winter, reduce watering to prevent root rot but do not let the soil completely dry out.
LightThe Dwarf Hinoki Cypress requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. A spot that receives at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight will help ensure a healthy, dense foliage structure. Variations in the intensity of light may be experienced through seasons, but this plant is adaptable to a range of light conditions; just avoid prolonged exposure to the intense afternoon sun which can be harsh in some climates.
TemperatureThe Dwarf Hinoki Cypress is hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as -20°F and as high as 80°F. It thrives in temperatures that hover between 60°F and 70°F. When planting the Dwarf Hinoki Cypress, choose a spot that is protected from harsh winter winds to avoid desiccation and browning of foliage.
PruningPruning the Dwarf Hinoki Cypress is mainly for shape and should be done in the late winter or early spring before new growth starts. It is a slow-growing plant, so it often requires minimal pruning. Remove dead or damaged branches whenever noticed to maintain plant health. Shaping cuts should be shallow, not deep into old wood, as this can inhibit new growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDwarf Hinoki Cypress prefers a soil mix with good drainage, typically composed of two parts peat to one part perlite or coarse sand. The ideal soil pH for this plant ranges from slightly acidic to neutral, around 5.0 to 7.0.
RepottingDwarf Hinoki Cypress should be repotted every two to three years. As a slow-growing plant, it does not need frequent repotting; however, refreshing the soil can be beneficial.
Humidity & MistingDwarf Hinoki Cypress thrives best in moderate humidity levels but can tolerate some variation in humidity. It is not a high humidity demanding plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep Dwarf Hinoki Cypress in bright, indirect light and cool temps.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil, full sun to part shade, protect from harsh winds.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Dwarf Hinoki Cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Nana Gracilis') begins its life as a seed, typically requiring stratification to break dormancy before germination can take place. Upon germination, a seedling emerges and gradually develops into a young plant, establishing a root system and developing juvenile foliage. As it grows into its juvenile stage, the plant forms a dense, conical shape with characteristic dark green, scale-like leaves. It reaches maturity over several years, eventually developing into a slow-growing, dwarf conical shrub, typically reaching up to 3-6 feet in height. The plant then produces small cones, with male cones releasing pollen and female cones developing seeds to complete the reproductive cycle. In its mature stage, the Dwarf Hinoki Cypress can live for many years, remaining relatively compact with minimal maintenance.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Nana Gracilis', commonly known as Dwarf Hinoki Cypress, is typically propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings. This popular method involves taking cuttings from the current year's growth in late summer to early fall. Each cutting should be about 4 to 6 inches long (approximately 10 to 15 cm). The bottom 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) of each cutting should be stripped of foliage, and the cut end can be dipped in a rooting hormone powder to enhance root development. The prepared cuttings are then placed in a soil mix that provides good drainage, such as a combination of peat and perlite or sand. Maintaining a humid environment and consistent moisture is key, so a propagator or a plastic cover is often used to retain humidity. Roots typically develop within a few months, after which the new plants can be gradually acclimatized to less humid conditions before eventual planting out.
![Lawson's cypress [Ellwood's Pillar]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fplants-admin.emdemapps.com%2Fimages%2Fplants%2F%2Fimages%2F604b5d48a28a6.png&w=640&q=75)
