RedCrocus Van Pelt's Blue Lawson Cypress (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana) - Steel-Blue Evergreen Conifer, Narrow Upright Form, Full Sun, Hardy Zones 5-8 - Live Landscape Plant 5 Gallon Nursery Pot
RedCrocus Van Pelt's Blue Lawson Cypress (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana) - Steel-Blue Evergreen Conifer, Narrow Upright Form, Full Sun, Hardy Zones 5-8 - Live Landscape Plant 5 Gallon Nursery Pot
SKU:berbfe0-redcrocus
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Chamaecyparis Law. Van Pelts Blue
A refined, upright Lawson cypress with striking steel-blue evergreen sprays and a naturally conical habit.
USDA Zones 5–8
Full Sun to Light Shade
Moderate Growth
Container Friendly (young)
Description
Chamaecyparis Law. Van Pelts Blue is a handsome selection of Lawson cypress valued for its dense, finely textured sprays that hold a cool steel-blue to silvery hue year-round. Upright and naturally conical, it offers strong vertical structure without appearing rigid. Comfortable in coastal or inland gardens with good drainage, it brings color and form to mixed borders, foundation plantings, and conifer collections. While sometimes listed as Chamaecyparis lawsoniana ‘Van Pelt’s Blue’, this cultivar shares the species’ preference for even moisture, shelter from harsh winds, and soil that drains freely.
Suggested Uses
Plant Details
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Botanical NameChamaecyparis Law. Van Pelts Blue
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Common NameChamaecyparis Law. Van Pelts Blue
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Size & Growth10–15 ft tall × 4–6 ft wide in 10 years; ultimately 20–30 ft tall × 8–12 ft wide; narrow, upright-conical form with dense, steel-blue sprays.
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Hardiness ZonesUSDA 5–8 (shelter from winter wind and scorching sun in colder or hotter zones).
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Foliage TypeEvergreen conifer; fine, overlapping scale-like sprays in a cool steel-blue to silvery blue tone.
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Bloom TimeInconspicuous pollen and seed cones in spring; grown for foliage and form rather than flowers.
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Growth RateModerate; typically 6–12 in (15–30 cm) per year with good care and consistent moisture.
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Light RequirementsFull sun to light shade; best blue color in full sun. Provide afternoon shade in hot-summer regions to reduce scorch.
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Attracts PollinatorsNot typically; wind-pollinated conifer with minimal nectar/pollen interest to insects.
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Indoor FriendlyNo; thrives outdoors with full light and seasonal temperature changes.
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Container FriendlyYes while young; use a large, deep container with excellent drainage and protect roots from severe winter cold.
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Deer ResistantGenerally deer resistant; occasional browsing of tender new growth may occur where deer pressure is high.
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Pet WarningConsidered non-toxic; ingestion of foliage can cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Prevent pets from chewing branches or cones.
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FragrantFoliage has a mild, resinous aroma when crushed; not a strongly fragrant landscape plant.
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Cut FlowerExcellent for cut evergreens and winter arrangements; sprays hold color and last well in water.
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Grows Well WithGrows Well With Heathers and heaths (Calluna, Erica), dwarf conifers, Pieris, Rhododendron/Azalea, Japanese maples, and fine-textured ornamental grasses.
Care Tips
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Planting InstructionsPlant in spring or early fall. Dig a hole 2–3× the width of the root ball and the same depth. Loosen/correct circling roots, set the root flare at or slightly above grade, backfill with native soil, water deeply, and mulch 2–3 in (keep mulch off the trunk).
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Soil MoistureKeep evenly moist but never waterlogged. Water weekly during the first 1–2 growing seasons; increase in heat or wind. Once established, moderately drought tolerant but performs best with consistent moisture.
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Soil TypeWell-drained loam, sandy loam, or amended clay; slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0). Avoid poorly drained sites that promote Phytophthora root rot.
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HumidityTolerates average garden humidity; shelter from hot, dry winds to minimize foliage scorch in summer and desiccation in winter.
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Pruning InstructionsMinimal pruning required. Tip-prune lightly in late winter to early spring to maintain shape. Avoid cutting into old, leafless wood. Maintain one central leader; remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches as needed.
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Winter CareWater deeply before freeze-up and maintain 2–3 in mulch over the root zone. In zones 5–6 or windy exposures, use a burlap windbreak for young plants to reduce winter burn. Container plants need pot insulation or a sheltered location.
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Planting DepthSet the top of the root ball level with surrounding soil; ensure the trunk/root flare remains visible. In heavy soils, position 1–2 in high to improve drainage.
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FertilizationFeed lightly in early spring with a balanced, slow-release, acid-leaning conifer fertilizer if growth is weak. Avoid high-nitrogen spikes and late-summer applications. Annual compost mulch often suffices.
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Special CarePrioritize drainage to prevent root rot; avoid overwatering and soil compaction. Mulch to moderate soil temperature. Monitor for cypress aphid and spider mites; treat early if detected. Stake only if needed to keep the central leader straight; remove stakes within a year.