Chamaecyparis obtusa
Hinoki cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) is a striking conifer. It grows up to 40 m/120 ft with a reddish-brown, dramatically straight trunk. Its bark is fibrous and fissured into thin strips. Its slender branchlets are closely arranged in one horizontal plane with dark green scale-like leaves. This much loved and significant tree in Japan has been revered for centuries for its beautiful, durable wood and the fragrant essential oils of its bark, wood and foliage.
With its rich, straight grain and resistance to splitting, warping and rot, Hinoki cypress has been one of the most important species used in Japanese architecture. Traditionally, it was used in Shinto ceremonies and purification rituals, to build shrines and temples, and to construct fragrant tubs for bathing. Well-built Hinoki cypress structures can last 1,000 years.
During the Nara period (8th Century), Hinoki cypress and umbrella pine (Sciadopitys verticillata) accounted for the majority of structural wood. Hinoki cypress is native to central and southern Japan, yet today it exists only in remnant stands and is considered an endangered species. Its long usefulness has led to its loss in the wild.
Hinoki cypress is happiest in full sun protected from winds. It can handle some shade but must have well-drained soil. Our VanDusen tree was purchased from Hillier Nurseries (England) as Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Ericoides’. But the top part died and a new tree grew up from the rootstock. Thankfully, that is how we ended up with the species tree and not the dwarf.
Check out Tsuga canadensis ‘Gentsch White’ in the Heather Garden and Sequoia sempervirens ‘Adpressa’ growing at the edge of the Bird Garden. These two dwarf cultivars are on the journey home to their rootstock. Hinoki cypress made it - maybe they will too.
Garden Story about hay fever allergy.
Text and photos by Hughie Jones. The photos of our only Hinoki cypress were taken in bed 75 near the stairs. However, the tall tree picture is by Owen Johnson.