Lawson Cypress Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Intertexta'

Water

The Lawson cypress, or Port Orford cedar, should be watered deeply and less frequently to encourage strong root growth. Young trees benefit from watering once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions, providing about 1-2 gallons per watering session to maintain moist soil. During hot or dry spells, increase watering frequency to prevent drought stress. In winter or cooler weather, reduce watering since the plant requires less moisture. A good rule of thumb is to check the soil; if the top 2-3 inches are dry, it's time to water again.

Light

The Lawson cypress prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. They thrive best when they receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Planting them in a spot that provides bright, unfiltered sunlight throughout the day will encourage dense foliage and healthy growth. However, some afternoon shade in extremely hot climates can help protect the tree from excessive heat.

Temperature

Lawson cypress grows well in a range of temperatures but prefers a cooler climate with temperatures between about 60°F and 75°F. It can withstand temperatures down to 0°F, making it suitable for many temperate regions. However, it may suffer in conditions above 80°F, so it should be planted where it can avoid the heat of the afternoon sun in warmer areas.

Pruning

The Lawson cypress requires minimal pruning, mostly to maintain its shape and remove any diseased or broken branches. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. To encourage dense growth, lightly trim the tips of the branches. Pruning more than once a year is generally not necessary unless shaping the tree for aesthetic purposes or to control size.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Lawson's Cypress 'Intertexta' thrives best in well-draining, moist soils that are rich in organic matter. Aim for a soil mixture that includes peat, loamy soil and sharp sand to facilitate drainage. The ideal pH for this plant should be mildly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.0. Regularly check the pH and adjust accordingly to maintain optimal soil conditions for its growth.

Repotting

Lawson's Cypress 'Intertexta' generally does not require frequent repotting as it is a tree and prefers to be planted in the ground. If grown in a container, young plants may need repotting every 2-3 years to accommodate their growth. Mature plants rarely need to be repotted and should be done so only if there are signs of pot-bound roots.

Humidity & Misting

Lawson's Cypress 'Intertexta' prefers moderate to high humidity. Outdoor plants will usually receive adequate humidity from the environment, especially if located in a naturally humid climate. Indoor specimens can benefit from occasional misting or a humidity tray to maintain ambient moisture levels.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.

• Outdoor

  Full sun to part shade, sheltered from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  5-8 USDA

Life cycle

Lawson's Cypress 'Intertexta' begins its life as a seed, originating from cones that typically mature in a span of two years after pollination. Upon germination, the seedling starts its growth, often requiring partial shade and moist, well-drained soil to thrive. As it enters the juvenile stage, the plant exhibits rapid vertical growth and the development of its characteristic scale-like leaves. Over several years, the Lawson's Cypress 'Intertexta' matures into an adult, gaining its full height and developing a more defined, often irregular pyramidal shape. It can reach sexual maturity and begin reproducing, forming small male and female cones on the same plant, which are pollinated by wind. The mature plant can live for several decades, with some specimens living over a century under ideal conditions, before completing its life cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late Winter to Early Spring

• Propogation: The propagation of the Lawson's Cypress 'Intertexta' is most commonly achieved through semihardwood cuttings. This method involves taking cuttings from the current year’s growth in late summer to early fall, when the wood has partially matured but is not yet fully hardened. Cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) in length and include several sets of leaves. These cuttings are then dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development and planted in a well-draining rooting medium such as a mix of peat and perlite. The cuttings need to be kept in high humidity conditions and at a consistent temperature of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 21 degrees Celsius) to ensure successful root development. After a few months, once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into individual pots and eventually into the garden.