Lawson's Cypress Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Golden Wonder'

Water

The Lawson's Cypress 'Golden Wonder' should be watered deeply and thoroughly to ensure the root zone is adequately moistened. It's best to water this plant once every week or two, depending on the weather conditions and soil moisture levels. During hot, dry periods, increase watering frequency to avoid drought stress. For an established plant, providing about 1-2 gallons of water per session should suffice to maintain soil moisture. Ensure the plant is not left in standing water, which could lead to root rot. Watering in the morning is ideal, as this allows foliage to dry out over the course of the day.

Light

Lawson's Cypress 'Golden Wonder' thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It requires at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and foliage color. The ideal spot for this plant would be an area that gets plenty of morning light and some afternoon shade, especially in regions with very hot summers to prevent scorching.

Temperature

The Lawson's Cypress 'Golden Wonder' is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures. It can withstand minimum temperatures down to about -20°F and maximum temperatures that don't consistently exceed 95°F. The ideal temperature range for robust growth is between 60°F and 75°F. Avoid exposing the plant to extreme temperature fluctuations, which can stress it and affect its health.

Pruning

Pruning is important for Lawson's Cypress 'Golden Wonder' to maintain its desired shape and to encourage healthy growth. Prune lightly in the early spring before new growth begins, shaping as needed and removing any dead or damaged branches. Additionally, trim back any growth that is encroaching on other plants or structures. This cypress may not require frequent pruning; once a year or every other year is often enough. Best time for pruning is late winter or early spring, just before the onset of the growing season.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Lawson's Cypress 'Golden Wonder' thrives in moist, well-draining soil with an acidic to neutral pH of about 5.0 to 7.0. A mix of peat, sand, and loamy soil can provide the ideal texture and fertility for this evergreen conifer for optimal growth. Ensuring good drainage is crucial to prevent root rot.

Repotting

Lawson's Cypress 'Golden Wonder' typically needs repotting every two to three years as it is a relatively slow-growing conifer. Repotting should be done in the spring before the onset of the new growth cycle. Choose a slightly larger pot to accommodate the root system without oversizing, as this can lead to waterlogged soil.

Humidity & Misting

Lawson's Cypress 'Golden Wonder' fares well in average outdoor humidity conditions. It does not have specific humidity requirements, but as an evergreen suited to cooler climates, natural atmospheric moisture is generally sufficient. It's hardy and doesn't necessitate high humidity levels to thrive.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Lawson's Cypress 'Golden Wonder' by a bright window, away from heat sources.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sun to partial shade, protect from harsh winds.

• Hardiness zone

  5-8 USDA

Life cycle

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Golden Wonder', commonly known as the Lawson's Cypress 'Golden Wonder', begins its life cycle when seeds are produced by mature cones and subsequently germinate, often requiring a period of stratification to break dormancy. Seedlings emerge and establish themselves, entering a juvenile phase where they focus on root and foliage development. As the plant enters its vegetative stage, it forms a distinctive conical shape and develops its characteristic golden-yellow foliage with dense, scale-like leaves. Over the years, this evergreen continues to grow, potentially reaching up to 15 feet tall and 4 feet wide, and begins producing cones once it reaches maturity after several years. The mature Lawson's Cypress 'Golden Wonder' then enters a reproductive phase annually, with male and female cones developing on the same plant; pollination occurs typically through wind dispersal. Eventually, as the plant ages, it may experience a decline in vigor and productivity until it dies, completing its life cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late summer

• The Lawson's cypress 'Golden Wonder' is most commonly propagated via semi-hardwood cuttings. This type of propagation typically takes place in late summer to early autumn. To propagate from semi-hardwood cuttings, a piece of this season's growth is snipped, usually about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) in length. Each cutting should have several sets of leaves. The lower set of leaves is removed, and the cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then planted in a well-draining potting mix, usually in a container or a nursery bed. It is kept moist and in a sheltered, warm environment until the cutting has rooted, which can take several months.