Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Split Rock’

dwarf hinoki cypress

  • © Iseli Nursery - Randall C. Smith

Outstanding Qualities

Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Split Rock’ is a slow growing conifer that attracts attention in the garden. This compact pyramidal plant has both green adult foliage and blue juvenile foliage, giving the plant a wonderful, textural interest and making it the bluest selection of all the Hinoki cypress. It is an excellent choice for small gardens.

Quick Facts

Plant Type: conifer

Foliage Type: evergreen

Plant Height (10-year): 6 ft. 0 in. (1.83 meters)

Plant Width/Spread (10-year): 2 ft. 0 in. (0.61 meters)

Plant Height-Mature: 8 ft. 0 in. (2.44 meters)

Plant Width-Mature: 3 ft. 0 in. (0.91 meters)

Hardiness: USDA Zones 4 to 8

Sun/Light Exposure: full sun or light to open shade

Water Requirements: drought tolerant when established

Culture Notes

Hinoki cypress will grow best in full sun but tolerate light to open shade. It adapts to a variety of soils, from sandy sites to clay, provided the location is well-drained. Once established it is very drought tolerant, requiring little to no summer watering even during prolonged droughts. It requires very little pruning and heavy pruning can ruin its unique appearance. Only prune to remove dead, broken or poorly formed branches.