Chamaecyparis obtusa Chirimen - Hinoki Cypress

The Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Chirimen' perfectly embodies the bonzai spirit. This small conifer with has a somewhat anarchic vegetation, revealing a curiously deconstructed architecture. Its foliage, a rich dark green, can take on variable shades, gray or bluish depending on the exposure. It can reach 1 m (3 ft 4 in) in height once mature, sometimes more. It lends itself well to topiary art and will become a focal point if staged in a small garden. This variety thrives in full sun or partial shade, but requires acidic, moist but well-drained soil.

Also called Japanese hinoki cypress, it can reach up to 50m (164 ft) in height in its natural environment. This small-sized variety, 'Chirimen', is distinguished by an upright but indescribable and variable habit. It grows slowly to form an irregular torch, bristling with green and undisciplined flames. After ten years of cultivation, it will reach 90 cm (35.4 in) to 1 m (3 ft 4 in) in height, with a diameter of 30 cm (11.8 in). An adult specimen will measure over 2 m (6 ft 7 in) in height, after an infinite amount of time. It bears twisted branches covered with dense foliage, reminiscent of silk crepe that was once used to make women's kimonos. While it is mostly dark green, it may take on more gray or bluish hues depending on growing conditions. Bouquets of cones appear along the branches they persist for a long time and may evoke a deformity or disease, but it is a natural phenomenon. These cones eventually disappear over time, chased away by new shoots.

The Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Chirimen' is ideal for container cultivation on a terrace or in small gardens thanks to its unusual appearance, slow growth, and small size. It will find its place in a Zen garden and become a magnificent bonsai style specimen. As it prefers acidic soils, it can accompany small camellias, rhododendrons, and azaleas. The true graphic qualities of dwarf conifers naturally impose themselves in the design of a contemporary garden, which prefers the aesthetics of forms, silhouettes, and textures to flowering plants. These plants, with their reassuring permanence, structurally define a bed, mark pathways, border terraces, easily replacing the strong presence of trimmed boxwood. They serve as a setting for small roses, peonies, or tousled grasses with a very complementary temperament. They can also be associated with shrubs or ground cover plants such as aubrietas, cerastiums, as well as flowering shrubs. The key is to play with volumes and colors.

Tips: Water during periods of high heat as it is sensitive to drought.