Sawara cypress 'Boulevard' Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Boulevard'

Water

The Boulevard Cypress should be watered deeply and less frequently to encourage root growth—aim for about once a week, adjusting for rainfall and temperature. During hot, dry periods, water every 3-5 days. For established plants, provide about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per watering session. Adjust the amount during the winter, when the plant needs less moisture due to dormancy. Always check the soil before watering; it should be moist but not saturated.

Light

Boulevard Cypress prefers full sun to partial shade, thriving in a spot that receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal location is where it can bask in the morning light and be protected from the harsh afternoon sun.

Temperature

Boulevard Cypress is hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as -20°F and as high as 80°F. The ideal temperature range for the plant is between 60°F and 70°F. Sudden drops in temperature or prolonged exposure to heat outside of these ranges should be avoided.

Pruning

Prune Boulevard Cypress to shape and maintain its size in late winter or early spring, before the onset of new growth. Pruning at this time allows wounds to heal before the growing season. Light pruning for shaping can be done throughout the growing season, but major cuts should be done during dormancy. It doesn't require frequent pruning; once a year is typically enough unless shaping is desired.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for the Boulevard Cypress should be well-draining with a mixture of peat, compost, and pine bark. The soil pH should be slightly acidic, ideally between 5.0 to 6.0.

Repotting

Boulevard Cypress generally needs repotting every two to three years to prevent it from becoming root-bound and to refresh the soil.

Humidity & Misting

Boulevard Cypress thrives in moderate humidity levels. It is adaptable but prefers a range of 40% to 60% humidity for optimal growth.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light, ensure good airflow, don't overheat.

• Outdoor

  Use well-draining soil, full sun to partial shade, shelter from wind.

• Hardiness zone

  4-8 USDA

Life cycle

The Boulevard cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Boulevard') starts its life as a seed, which germinates in spring after a period of cool, moist stratification to break dormancy. The seedling stage is characterized by initial root and shoot development, during which the plant is highly vulnerable to environmental conditions. As it enters the juvenile phase, the Boulevard cypress develops its trademark soft, blue-green, feathery foliage and starts to exhibit the slow-growing, conical shape typical of mature plants. During the mature stage, this ornamental conifer will continue to grow slowly, reaching up to 12 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide, and can begin reproductive processes, producing small cones after several years. Towards the end of its life, which can span several decades, the plant's growth rate declines, and it may become more susceptible to disease and environmental stressors. After the reproduction stage persists and the plant ages, it will eventually die, completing its life cycle by potentially leaving behind seeds that will give rise to new Boulevard cypress plants.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to early summer

• The most popular method for propagating the Boulevard Cypress, scientifically named Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Boulevard', is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This technique involves taking cuttings from current year's growth in the late summer to early autumn. You would cut a 4 to 6-inch (10 to 15 cm) piece of semi-hardwood stem, strip off the lower foliage, and treat the cut end with rooting hormone to encourage root development. It is then inserted into a well-draining potting mixture and kept in a humid environment until roots develop, which can take several weeks to a few months. It is important to keep the cutting out of direct sunlight and to maintain consistent moisture without overwatering to prevent rot. Once rooted, the new plants can be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions and eventually planted in their permanent locations.