dwarf hinoki cypress
© Iseli Nursery - Randall C. Smith
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.
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
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.
Text and photos ©2025 Great Plant Picks/Elisabeth Carey Miller Garden except where otherwise noted
Funded by the Pendleton and Elisabeth Carey Miller Charitable Foundation, The Seattle Times, and Individual Donors
Administered by the Elisabeth Carey Miller Botanical Garden