Chamaecyparis lawsoniana Sunkist - Lawson Cypress

The Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Sunkist' is a dwarf variety of Lawson's Cypress interesting for its unusual habit, bright foliage and slightly weeping branches which give it a unique charm. Mature specimens form a sort of asymmetrical, globular pyramid, adorned with large feathers that range from golden to lime green depending on the season. Planted in a large rockery or as a standalone specimen, this conifer will attract all eyes. It is easily grown in sunny positions, in any fertile garden soil that is not too dry in summer.

Lawson's Cypress, sometimes called false cypress, is a majestic conifer from the Cupressaceae family, native to the moist coastal forests of the northwest United States. In its natural habitat, it often reaches heights of over 30m (98ft 5in), with a trunk diameter approaching 1.20m (3ft 11in). Its habit is upright and conical, and its trailing branches form soft curtains adorned with dark green, bluish foliage. It has given rise to numerous cultivars, among which there is a wide choice of plants with a more modest stature, better suited to the size of our gardens. It has excellent cold resistance, down to -20°C (-4°F). However, this species is sensitive to drought.

The 'Sunkist' variety is a horticultural selection similar to 'Mini Globus', but with more golden foliage. It is a reduced form, slow-growing, with young foliage that is golden. In its early stages, it has a very dense, rounded, somewhat irregular habit. At the age of 10, the bush measures approximately 1m (3ft 4in) in all directions. Over time, a lateral branch often rises to form a crown. After many years, this cypress measures around 2m (6ft 7in) in height and 1.50m (4ft 11in) to 1.75m (5ft 8in) in width at the base. The tree produces flexible, slightly trailing branches. Each one carries numerous slender, flattened shoots, covered with scale-like, non-prickly leaves. The young shoots are intensely yellow when they emerge at the tips of the branches, later turning a sour green.

Chamaecyparis lawsonia 'Sunkist' is bright and refreshing and will be a focal point in the garden, whether planted as a standalone specimen or in groups of 3. It does not require frequent pruning, but can tolerate it if you wish to maintain a "ball" shape. The architectural qualities of dwarf conifers deserve to be more frequently invited into our gardens, where they bring a permanent structure. These plants are rather insignificant in summer and assert themselves in winter, when other flowers have left our gardens. Perfect for contemporary settings, conifers also have their place in more classic or even romantic landscapes: they mark pathways, border terraces, and accentuate large shrub borders. To accompany Lawson's Cypress 'Sunkist', consider ground-cover plants such as cerastium or achillea, for example. Cyclamen also form magnificent flowering carpets in autumn or late winter, perfect for dressing the base of conifers.