Port Orford Cedar Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Gimbornii'

Water

The Port Orford cedar, being a conifer, likes consistent moisture but does not tolerate soggy conditions, so it is important to allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Generally, it should be watered once a week, using about 1.5 to 2 gallons for an established tree, depending on the climate and soil drainage. During hotter seasons or in dry climates, you may need to water twice a week, ensuring that the water penetrates deeply into the soil to encourage deep root growth. In cooler or wetter weather, reduce watering frequency to prevent root rot. Overwatering can be as harmful as underwatering, so monitor the soil moisture regularly.

Light

The Port Orford cedar thrives in full sun to partial shade, making it versatile for various garden locations. It performs best in a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day, but it can also tolerate some light afternoon shade, especially in hotter regions. Avoid deep shade as this can lead to sparse foliage and poor growth.

Temperature

The Port Orford cedar can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter to over 90 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. It prefers a cooler climate, optimally growing in areas where the average temperature is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It's important to protect the tree from harsh winter winds and extreme heat when possible.

Pruning

Prune the Port Orford cedar to maintain its shape and health, removing any dead, damaged or diseased branches. Light pruning can be done at any time of year, but major pruning should be done in the late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Avoid heavy pruning; instead, focus on thinning out the branches to allow light and air to penetrate the canopy, which helps prevent disease.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for Lawson's Cypress 'Gimbornii' should be well-draining with a mixture of peat, coarse sand, and perlite or pine bark. Maintain soil pH between 5.0 to 7.0 for optimal growth.

Repotting

Lawson's Cypress 'Gimbornii' typically requires repotting every 2 to 3 years to prevent root-bound conditions and to refresh the soil medium.

Humidity & Misting

Lawson's Cypress 'Gimbornii' prefers moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 40% to 70%, to thrive indoors or in a nursery environment.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Grow Lawson's Cypress 'Gimbornii' indoors in a bright, cool spot with high humidity.

• Outdoor

  Plant Lawson's Cypress 'Gimbornii' in partial shade, well-draining soil, and shelter from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  5-8 USDA

Life cycle

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Gimbornii', commonly known as Lawson's Cypress, begins its life cycle as a seed, which after stratification, germinates when exposed to suitable temperatures and moisture levels. The seedling stage follows, characterized by the development of a primary root and shoot, which will further grow into a juvenile plant with a recognizable coniferous structure. As it enters the vegetative stage, Lawson's Cypress undergoes significant height and girth increase, producing scale-like leaves and establishing a strong root system. During the reproductive stage, the mature plant develops cones—male ones release pollen while female ones receive it during the pollination period, leading to fertilization and seed development. After seed dispersal, the cycle can begin again, while the parent tree continues to grow and may live for several hundred years if environmental conditions are favorable. The final stage in the plant’s life cycle is senescence, during which growth slows, and the tree eventually dies, possibly succumbing to environmental stresses, disease, or old age.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Early spring

• The most popular method of propagation for the Port Orford cedar, also known by its botanical name Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Gimbornii', is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This process typically takes place in late summer to early autumn. Cuttings about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long are taken from the current year's growth, ensuring each cutting has several nodes. The lower needles are stripped off, and the cut end is dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cuttings are then inserted into a soil mix that is well-draining, often a combination of peat and perlite, ensuring that at least one node is below the soil surface. The soil is kept moist but not wet, and the cuttings are placed in a well-lit area, out of direct sunlight, and ideally under a mist system or with high humidity to prevent desiccation. With proper care, roots typically develop within a few months, after which the new plants can be transferred to individual pots and grown on before planting out.