Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Crippsii'
Sprays of feathery, bright golden yellow foliage distinguish Hinoki cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Crippsii’). This small conifer makes a fine specimen tree throughout the seasons. Its attractive reddish-brown bark peels off in vertical strips. And in winter the golden foliage becomes even brighter.
Our golden Hinoki cypress in the Heather Garden signals two special trails are coming up. The trail on the left crosses a stream on a rock bridge. This takes you right up to the Douglas-fir grove for a close look. The lake trail on the right gives you full views of the giant Sequoia grove across the lake as well as the cedar of Lebanon. The species tree in Japan is a marker too - a signal of sacred territory. It is found growing near Shinto shrines and temples.
'Crippsii' was found in 1901 at a nursery in England owned by Thomas Cripps. The nursery no longer exists, but the tree that carries his name is still known as one of the finest selections of Hinoki available. Our one and only tree came from Clay & Son Nursery and was planted in bed 65 in 1974.
'Crippsii' is not difficult to grow. It will flourish in full sun or partial shade as long as the soil is well drained and moist. Despite being a small conifer, it manages to look like a regular tree and is easy to place in a garden.
Text and photos by Hughie Jones