Chamaecyparis obtusa 'DRAHT' Hinoki cypress
Symbivit Tric (arbuscular)
Symbivit (arbuscular)Chamaecyparis
The genus Chamaecyparis comprises a small group of coniferous trees native exclusively to eastern Asia and the western regions of North America. Botanically, it belongs to the cypress family and is characterised by its fine branch structure, scale‑like foliage and remarkable diversity of forms and colours, which has made it one of the most important genera of ornamental conifers. The genus was first formally described by Stephan Ladislaus Endlicher (1804�1849) in the first half of the nineteenth century, at a time when Europe was becoming increasingly familiar with the flora of the Far East. Fossil evidence suggests that the ancestors of modern false cypresses were once far more widely distributed, making the genus another example of woody plants that survived major climatic shifts in restricted refuges.
Draht is another jewel of Hinoki cypress. It was bred in Germany nurseries of G.J.Draht in 1960�s and received the same name Draht which means �wire�. Funnily enough it is very apposite because this cypress makes short scale-like needles, composed along twisted wire-like branches. The needles are evergreen, rich emerald green in summer and a little lighter with bronze hues in winter. It grows slowly, yet surprisingly to about 2-3m in full maturity (20-25 years).
It looks great as a specimen plant, or sensibly placed in a mixed border with other dwarf conifers or compact perennials. Hinoki cypress are invaluable plants for bonsai making.
Last update 23-02-2012
Hinoki cypress likes medium fertile, acid to neutral, moist but well-drained soil. Grow it preferably in full sun or only a light shade so that the plant keeps its compact shape and bottom branches. Pruning or trimming can be done in early spring after all frosts. Mulching is recommended for keeping the soil moist. Fully hardy to -29�C (USDA zone 5), possibly a little more.
