Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Blue Surprise'

Blue Surprise False Cypress, Port Orford Cedar, Lawson False Cypress

Evergreen Conifer, Shrub

A wonderfully useful dwarf conifer thanks to its compact and columnar growth habit. Attractive year-round, it has silvery-blue evergreen foliage that takes on a purplish cast during the winter months. Forms a dense narrow spire that makes a strong statement in the ground or in a container. Look for the Monrovia selection that is grown on Guardian® root stock for improved resistance to Phytophthora lateralis, a disease that has caused the demise of many Chamaecyparis lawsonianas in Northwest gardens.

Growing Conditions

Zone: 6, 7, 8, 9

Exposure: Full Sun, Afternoon Sun

Water Needs: Average, Occasional, Regular / Even

Description

Size: 36 - 72 tall x 12 - 24 wide
Shape / Form: Columnar / Narrow
Foliage Texture: Fine
Foliage Quality: Fine

Features: Winter Interest, Attractive Foliage, Dwarf / Compact Plant, Low Maintenance, Year-round Interest

Foliage Color: Blue




Uses and Applications

Landscape Uses: Container
Special Situations: Deer Resistant
Wildlife: Deer Resistant

More Design Considerations

Season of Interest: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall, Year-round Interest, Three Seasons of Interest
Position / Role: mid-plane filler
Plant Behavior: Slow Growing
Collections: Plants That Earn Their Keep

Care and Maintenance

Maintenance Level: low

Suitable Substitutes

Cupressus sempervirens 'Monshel' | Tiny Tower Italian Cypress
Juniperus scopulorum 'Blue Arrow' | Blue Arrow Juniper

Plant Combos