Lawson's Cypress Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Pembury Blue'
ABOUT
The 'Pembury Blue' is a cultivar of the Lawson's cypress with striking decorative features. Characterized by a dense conical shape, its foliage presents a rich, silvery-blue hue that offers a cool-toned aesthetic to any garden. The needles are fine and soft to the touch, growing in flattened sprays which create a lush, feathery appearance. This striking blue-green foliage retains its color all year round, ensuring the 'Pembury Blue' remains a focal point in the landscape through all seasons. Small, round cones may also appear, but they are typically inconspicuous against the thick blanket of vibrant leaves. The overall look of the 'Pembury Blue' provides a visual softness and a touch of elegance, making it a popular choice among ornamental evergreens for its beauty and color. Its ability to keep its unique tint throughout the year is especially valued when other plants may lose their vibrancy.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Cupressaceae.
Synonyms
Lawson's Cypress, Oregon Cedar, Port Orford Cedar, Pembury Blue Lawson Cypress.
Common names
Cupressus lawsoniana, Chamaecyparis lawsoniana.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant referred to as Lawson's Cypress is not commonly known for its toxicity to humans. However, like many plants, it may cause some degree of skin irritation or allergic reaction in sensitive individuals when handling the plant. The greatest risk typically comes from allergic reactions or dermatitis. Ingesting any part of Lawson's Cypress is not advised, as plant parts are not intended for human consumption and can potentially cause gastrointestinal discomfort. However, there are no well-known severe toxic effects from ingestion.
To pets
Lawson's Cypress is not commonly recognized as a toxic plant to pets. Still, caution is warranted as individual animals can have different sensitivities. Ingesting this plant might lead to mild gastrointestinal upset in some pets, including symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. Pet owners should prevent their pets from chewing on or ingesting this plant, as it is not intended for consumption, and doing so could result in negative health effects.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Blue-green
Height
10-15 feet (3-4.5 meters)
Spread
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: 'Pembury Blue' adds visual interest with its unique silvery-blue foliage and pyramidal shape.
- Low Maintenance: This plant requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerance: After establishing roots, it can withstand periods of drought with less need for frequent watering.
- Cold Hardy: It is resistant to cold temperatures, making it suitable for a variety of climates and useful in many landscapes.
- Screening and Privacy: Its dense growth habit makes it an excellent choice for hedges, screens, or privacy plantings.
- Erosion Control: The root system helps to stabilize soil, reducing the risk of erosion on slopes and in other vulnerable areas.
- Wildlife Habitat: Provides shelter and nesting sites for birds and other wildlife.
- Longevity: It is known to be a long-lived tree, contributing to the landscape for many years.
- Versatility: Can be used in a variety of landscape designs, including formal gardens, parks, and large open spaces.
- Adaptability: Thrives in a range of soil types, as long as they are well-draining.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers year-round interest due to its evergreen nature and can help to create a focal point in the garden throughout the seasons.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Woodworking and Craft Material: The wood of Lawson's Cypress 'Pembury Blue' can be used in woodworking projects or crafts for its attractive color and texture.
- Garden Sculptures: Branches and foliage can be trimmed and shaped to create living garden sculptures, adding an artistic element to the landscape.
- Hedge Maze Component: With its dense growth habit, it's ideal for creating the walls of a traditional hedge maze or garden labyrinth.
- Bonsai Art: This variety can be grown as a bonsai tree, offering an unusual blue foliage for bonsai enthusiasts.
- Privacy Screening: Planting this cyprus en masse can create an effective visual and noise barrier for privacy.
- Erosion Control: Due to its root system, the plant can help stabilize soil on slopes and prevent erosion.
- Wildlife Habitat: It provides shelter for birds and small mammals, making it a good plant for wildlife gardens.
- Photography Backdrop: The unique blue hue of the foliage offers photographers a natural backdrop for outdoor portrait photography.
- Seasonal Decorations: Its blue-tinted branches can be used for wreaths and holiday decorations, especially in winter.
- Theme Gardens: Lawson's Cypress 'Pembury Blue' can be used in a blue-themed garden to provide contrast with other plants.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Lawson's Cypress is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Lawson's Cypress is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity: The Chamaecyparis lawsoniana, commonly known as Lawson's Cypress, is an evergreen conifer, known for its long lifespan, symbolizing durability and endurance.
- Peace: With its calming blue-green foliage, Lawson's Cypress often represents tranquility and peace, providing a serene presence in gardens and landscapes.
- Protection: Lawson's Cypress has dense foliage that can create a natural barrier, making it symbolic of protection and security.
- Healing: Traditionally, some conifers including species similar to Lawson's Cypress have been associated with healing due to their aromatic and sometimes medicinal properties.
- Eternal Life: As an evergreen, Lawson's Cypress often symbolizes immortality and eternal life, perpetually green throughout the seasons.
WaterLawson's Cypress 'Pembury Blue' prefers consistent moisture, but it is important not to overwater. It should be watered thoroughly when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Typically, this might mean watering once every week, but the frequency can vary depending on weather conditions and the plant’s location. Each time you water, aim to provide approximately 1 to 1.5 gallons of water to sufficiently hydrate the root zone. During periods of drought or extreme heat, you may need to water more frequently, while in cooler or rainy conditions, water less often.
LightLawson's Cypress 'Pembury Blue' performs best when it receives full sun to partial shade. An ideal spot would provide at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, with some afternoon shade in areas with intense heat. Avoid deep shade locations since insufficient light can lead to sparse foliage and poor growth.
TemperatureLawson's Cypress 'Pembury Blue' is hardy and adapts to a wide range of temperatures. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around -20°F but thrives in conditions between 40°F and 70°F. It is important to protect the plant from harsh, drying winds, especially in winter.
PruningLawson's Cypress 'Pembury Blue' requires minimal pruning, primarily to shape or maintain a desired size. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. It is not necessary to prune every year, but if shaping is needed, do so sparingly to avoid cutting into old wood, as this can inhibit proper regrowth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLawson's Cypress 'Pembury Blue' thrives in well-drained, moist soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of around 5.5 to 7.0. The best soil mix would contain equal parts peat moss, compost, and perlite or pumice for aeration and drainage.
RepottingLawson's Cypress 'Pembury Blue' is typically planted outdoors where it doesn't need frequent repotting. However, if grown in a container, it should be repotted every 2-4 years to prevent root-bound conditions.
Humidity & MistingLawson's Cypress 'Pembury Blue' prefers moderate humidity levels but is adaptable to different outdoor conditions. Aim for an average humidity level as it does not have specific humidity requirements.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not ideal for indoor growing; needs outdoor space.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade, in well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleLawson's Cypress 'Pembury Blue' begins life as a seed, germinating in well-drained soil with adequate moisture and light. Post germination, it develops into a seedling, showing its distinctive blue-green needle-like foliage. As it enters the juvenile phase, the plant experiences rapid vertical growth and increased foliage density, forming its conical shape. During the mature stage, 'Pembury Blue' reaches its full height (up to 12 meters), with a robust root system and begins reproductive maturity, producing cones. The cones release seeds in autumn, completing the reproduction cycle. In the final stage of its life, the Lawson's Cypress may experience reduced growth and eventual decline, as with all perennial plants, lasting several decades or more before it dies.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter-early spring
The most popular method of propagating the Port Orford cedar, scientifically known as Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Pembury Blue', is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This process typically takes place in late summer when the current season's growth has matured enough but hasn't completely hardened, usually around July to September. Cuttings should be 4 to 6 inches (about 10 to 15 centimeters) long and must include several nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cut end dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The prepared cuttings are then placed in a well-draining soil mix and kept humid under a plastic cover or in a misting propagation bed. Rooting can take several weeks to months, and once rooted, the cuttings can be potted up individually and grown on until they are strong enough to be planted out.
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