Botanical Name

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana ‘Moonlit’ (marketed as Moonlit Blue Cypress)

Common Name

Chamaecyparis Law. Moonlit; Moonlit Blue Lawson Cypress; False cypress (Lawson)

Size & Growth

Typically 8–12 ft tall and 3–5 ft wide in 10 years; ultimately 15–20 ft where long‑lived. Naturally narrow, pyramidal habit.

Hardiness Zones

USDA 5–8 (shelter from hot, dry winds in the warmest areas).

Foliage Type

Evergreen, soft scale‑like sprays; blue to silvery‑teal with a luminous cast year‑round.

Bloom Time

Conifer; inconspicuous pollen and seed cones in spring—grown for foliage, not flowers.

Growth Rate

Slow to moderate; about 6–10 in (15–25 cm) per year with good culture.

Light Requirements

Full sun to light shade; 6+ hours sun gives best blue color. Provide afternoon shade in hot summer regions.

Attracts Pollinators

Low. Wind‑pollinated conifer; not a nectar plant for bees or butterflies.

Indoor Friendly

Not for permanent indoor culture; can be displayed briefly indoors for décor if kept cool and watered, then returned outside.

Container Friendly

Yes. Use a large, deep pot with drainage; up‑pot as it grows. Excellent for entries and terraces.

Deer Resistant

Generally deer resistant; browsing is uncommon but possible on hungry wildlife routes.

Pet Warning

Considered non‑toxic to cats/dogs; ingestion of foliage may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Keep prunings away from pets.

Fragrant

Subtle resinous aroma when foliage is brushed or cut; not strongly fragrant in the garden.

Cut Flower

Foliage sprays are long‑lasting in cut greenery and wreaths; recut stems and keep in cool water for best hold.

Grows Well With

Heaths and heathers (Erica/Calluna), Japanese maples, rhododendrons, hellebores, dwarf conifers, blue fescue, and sedges.

Planting Instructions

Dig a hole 2–3× wider than the root ball and no deeper. Set with the root flare level or 1 in above the soil line. Tease circling roots, backfill with native soil amended lightly with compost, water to settle, and mulch 2–3 in—keeping mulch off the trunk.

Soil Moisture

Keep evenly moist—never soggy—during the first 1–2 years. Once established, tolerates short dry spells but prefers consistent moisture. Water deeply, then allow the top inch to dry.

Soil Type

Well‑drained loam or sandy loam; slightly acidic to neutral (pH ~5.5–6.8). Avoid poorly drained, heavy clay or sites with standing water; consider raised beds if needed.

Humidity

Handles typical outdoor humidity. In hot, dry or windy exposures, provide windbreaks and some afternoon shade to reduce winter and summer desiccation.

Pruning Instructions

Minimal pruning needed. Shape lightly in late winter or just after the spring flush. Avoid cutting into old, leafless wood as Lawson cypress does not readily resprout. Remove dead or broken branches anytime.

Winter Care

Mulch root zone; water well before the ground freezes. In exposed sites, a burlap screen the first 1–2 winters helps prevent windburn. Brush off heavy snow rather than shaking to avoid breakage.

Planting Depth

Plant at the same depth as in the nursery pot; keep the trunk flare visible and slightly above grade. Do not bury the crown or mound mulch against the stem.

Fertilization

Feed lightly in early spring with a slow‑release, balanced conifer fertilizer or top‑dress with compost. Avoid high‑nitrogen spikes and do not fertilize after midsummer.

Special Care

Excellent drainage is essential to prevent Phytophthora root rot—never site where water stands. Space for airflow. Monitor for cypress aphid or spider mites in heat; rinse or treat promptly if noted.