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RedCrocus Chamaecyparis lawsoniana Golden Surprise Live Evergreen Conifer for Hedges, Privacy Screens, Containers & Mixed Borders 1 Gallon Nursery Pot

RedCrocus Chamaecyparis lawsoniana Golden Surprise Live Evergreen Conifer for Hedges, Privacy Screens, Containers & Mixed Borders 1 Gallon Nursery Pot

$90.00 USD
$117.00 USD $90.00 USD
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Pot Size

Chamaecyparis Law. Golden Surprise

Evergreen icon Evergreen Conifer
A compact, narrow Lawson false cypress selected for luminous golden foliage and a tidy, columnar habit.
USDA Zones 5–9 Full Sun to Light Shade Slow–Moderate Growth Evergreen, Year-Round Color

Description

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana ‘Golden Surprise’ is a refined, narrow selection of Lawson false cypress prized for its bright golden-yellow outer sprays that contrast with fresh lime-green interiors. Its naturally tight, upright habit makes it a superb architectural accent that injects year-round color into borders, entries, and containers. Best color develops in ample sun, yet plants appreciate protection from intense late-afternoon heat in hotter climates. The foliage is soft to the touch, aromatic when gently crushed, and holds its color through winter with minimal bronzing.
Reliable, low-maintenance structure plant with luminous gold tones.

Suggested Uses

  • Four-season focal point or accent in mixed borders and conifer gardens
  • Narrow hedge or privacy screen in smaller spaces
  • Large containers flanking entries, patios, or terraces (with winter protection for pots)
  • Foundation planting to add vertical structure and color contrast
  • Partners beautifully with Japanese maples, heaths/heathers, and other dwarf conifers
  • Sheltered coastal gardens away from direct salt spray and harsh winds

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Botanical Name
Chamaecyparis lawsoniana ‘Golden Surprise’
Common Name
Common Name
Lawson false cypress ‘Golden Surprise’
Size and Growth
Size & Growth
Narrow, upright pyramid. About 10–12 ft tall × 3–5 ft wide in 10 years; long-term 15–20 ft tall × 4–6 ft wide. Typically 4–8 in (10–20 cm) growth per year.
Hardiness Zones
Hardiness Zones
USDA 5–9 (provide wind protection and mulch in the colder end of the range)
Foliage Type
Foliage Type
Evergreen; soft, scale-like sprays with glowing golden-yellow tips and lime-green inner growth
Bloom Time
Bloom Time
Non-flowering; wind-pollinated with inconspicuous cones (pollen shed in spring)
Growth Rate
Growth Rate
Slow to moderate, forming a naturally tidy column with minimal pruning
Light Requirements
Light Requirements
Full sun to light shade; best gold in 6+ hours sun; give afternoon shade in hot-summer climates to prevent scorch
Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Pollinators
Low. Wind-pollinated conifer; not a pollinator resource
Indoor Friendly
Indoor Friendly
Not suited to indoor culture; requires outdoor light, airflow, and seasonal cues
Container Friendly
Container Friendly
Yes—excellent in large containers for several years; ensure sharp drainage and consistent moisture
Deer Resistant
Deer Resistant
Generally deer-resistant, especially as plants mature; may be sampled where food is scarce
Pet Warning
Pet Warning
Considered non-toxic, but ingestion of foliage may cause mild gastrointestinal upset—discourage chewing and dispose of clippings
Fragrant
Fragrant
Foliage is mildly aromatic/resinous when crushed; no floral scent
Cut Flower
Cut Flower
Attractive evergreen sprays for arrangements and wreaths; harvest sparingly to maintain shape
Grows Well With
Grows Well With
Japanese maple, Pieris, Rhododendron/Azalea, Erica/Calluna, Heuchera, Helleborus, dwarf conifers, Carex and fine-textured grasses
Note: Sizes and growth rate vary with climate, soil, and culture. Provide even moisture and excellent drainage for best performance.

Care Tips

Planting Instructions
Planting Instructions
Plant in a site with good air movement and drainage. Dig a hole 2× container width and equal depth. Tease circling roots, set level, backfill with native soil, and water deeply. Space 3–5 ft apart for a narrow hedge.
Soil Moisture
Soil Moisture
Keep evenly moist but never waterlogged. Provide ~1 inch of water per week during the first 1–2 years; mulch 2–3 in deep, keeping mulch off the trunk.
Soil Type
Soil Type
Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral loam; tolerates sandy or clay soils if drainage is improved. Avoid compacted or soggy locations.
Humidity
Humidity
Average outdoor humidity is sufficient. Shield from desiccating winter winds; container plants benefit from a sheltered, bright site.
Pruning Instructions
Pruning Instructions
Minimal pruning required. Lightly tip-prune after spring flush to maintain outline. Do not cut into old brown wood. Remove dead or crossing shoots anytime.
Winter Care
Winter Care
Water deeply before ground freezes; maintain mulch ring. In Zones 5–6 or windy sites, use a burlap windbreak for first winters. Protect containers by insulating pots or overwintering in a sheltered spot.
Planting Depth
Planting Depth
Set the root flare at or just above finished grade. The top of the root ball should be level with surrounding soil; avoid burying the trunk or smothering with mulch.
Fertilization
Fertilization
Feed lightly in early spring with a balanced, slow‑release, acid-forming fertilizer for evergreens. Avoid high-nitrogen feeding in late summer. Top-dress with compost annually.
Special Care
Special Care
Ensure excellent drainage to reduce risk of Phytophthora root disease; water at the base, not overhead. Sanitize tools. Monitor for mites, scale, or bagworms and treat early. Maintain slightly acidic pH to prevent chlorosis.
Year-Round Color Low Maintenance Great for Small Spaces Container Suitable
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