RedCrocus Hinoki Cypress 'Snowkist' (Chamaecyparis obtusa) Live Plant – Variegated Dwarf Evergreen, Compact Landscape Shrub for Sun/Part Shade, Zones 5–8 1 Gallon Nursery Pot
RedCrocus Hinoki Cypress 'Snowkist' (Chamaecyparis obtusa) Live Plant – Variegated Dwarf Evergreen, Compact Landscape Shrub for Sun/Part Shade, Zones 5–8 1 Gallon Nursery Pot
SKU:berea73-redcrocus
Couldn't load pickup availability
Chamaecyparis Ob. Snowkist
A compact, variegated Hinoki cypress with year‑round texture and soft, creamy-white accents.
Description
Chamaecyparis Ob. Snowkist is a distinctive selection of Hinoki cypress prized for its dense, sculptural habit and striking white‑tipped foliage. New growth emerges with creamy variegation that “snow‑kisses” the fan‑shaped sprays, creating luminous contrast against deep green interiors. Slow and manageable in size, it’s ideal for small gardens, containers, and refined evergreen structure in four seasons. Provide morning sun and a touch of afternoon shade in hotter climates to preserve the bright variegation and prevent scorch.
Suggested Uses
Tip: Use dark mulch or contrasting foliage plants nearby to make the white variegation pop.
Plant Details
-
Botanical NameChamaecyparis Ob. Snowkist (properly: Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Snowkist’)
-
Common NameChamaecyparis Ob. Snowkist; Hinoki cypress ‘Snowkist’
-
Size & GrowthDwarf, compact habit; typically 3–5 ft tall × 3–4 ft wide in 10 years; may reach 6–8 ft over time. Naturally layered, mounded to narrowly pyramidal form.
-
Hardiness ZonesUSDA Zones 5–8; shelter from harsh winter winds in colder sites for best foliage quality.
-
Foliage TypeEvergreen conifer; fine, fan‑like sprays with creamy‑white variegated tips contrasting deep green interiors.
-
Bloom TimeNot grown for flowers; produces inconspicuous pollen/seed cones in spring.
-
Growth RateSlow—about 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) per year under average conditions.
-
Light RequirementsFull sun to partial shade; in hot summer regions, provide afternoon shade to protect the variegated tips from scorch.
-
Attracts PollinatorsLow—wind‑pollinated conifer; offers shelter rather than nectar resources.
-
Indoor FriendlyGenerally not; best outdoors. Can be trained as bonsai or kept short‑term in a very bright, cool sunroom.
-
Container FriendlyExcellent choice for containers; use sharp‑draining mix and protect pots from deep freeze/thaw cycles in winter.
-
Deer ResistantYes—generally deer‑resistant once established, though no plant is completely deer‑proof.
-
Pet WarningNon‑toxic to cats and dogs; ingestion of foliage may cause mild stomach upset. Avoid allowing pets to chew woody stems.
-
FragrantFoliage has a pleasant, resinous scent when rubbed; not strongly fragrant at a distance.
-
Cut FlowerUseful as long‑lasting evergreen greenery in arrangements; not a traditional cut “flower.”
-
Grows Well WithGrows Well With Japanese maples, heaths and heathers, dwarf pines/spruces, azaleas & rhododendrons, heuchera, hosta, ferns, ornamental sedges.
Care Tips
-
Planting InstructionsPlant in spring or early fall. Dig a hole 2× the root‑ball width and equal depth. Loosen sides, set the plant with the top of the root ball slightly above grade, backfill with native soil amended with compost and fine bark, water to settle, and mulch 2–3 inches (keep mulch off the trunk).
-
Soil MoistureKeep evenly moist, especially during the first 1–2 growing seasons. Avoid waterlogging; allow the top inch to dry slightly between waterings in containers.
-
Soil TypeWell‑drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH ~5.5–6.5). Loam or sandy loam is ideal. Amend heavy clay with organic matter and sharp grit for drainage.
-
HumidityAverage outdoor humidity is suitable. Protect from hot, drying winds; avoid reflective heat from south or west walls in hotter zones.
-
Pruning InstructionsMinimal pruning required. Lightly tip‑prune after spring flush to shape; remove dead or twiggy growth anytime. Avoid cutting into old, bare wood, which may not reshoot.
-
Winter CareWater deeply before ground freeze. Maintain 2–3 in mulch, keeping it clear of the trunk. In exposed sites, use a burlap wind screen the first 1–2 winters. For containers, overwinter in a sheltered, unheated but protected spot to minimize freeze–thaw stress.
-
Planting DepthSet at the same depth as in the nursery pot, keeping the root flare visible. Position the top of the root ball 0.5–1 in above the surrounding soil to allow for settling and drainage.
-
FertilizationFeed lightly in early spring with a slow‑release, acid‑forming evergreen fertilizer. Avoid high nitrogen and do not fertilize in late summer. Container plants benefit from a half‑strength balanced feed 2–3× during the growing season.
-
Special CareProvide afternoon shade in hotter zones to preserve white tips. Monitor for spider mites in heat/drought; rinse foliage occasionally. Rotate container specimens for even light, refresh mulch annually, and avoid chronically soggy soils.