Compact Fernspray Cypress

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

6-8 Feet

Mature Spread

3-4 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 8

The delicate and elegant frond-like foliage of the Compact Fernspray Cypress looks more like a fern than a conifer. Growing to no more than 8 feet tall, the Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Filicoides Compacta' as it is also known, is a stunning specimen with arching branches. This false cypress is ideal for providing evergreen texture and interest.

The Compact Fernspray Cypress is as easy to grow as it is low maintenance and slow growing. It naturally forms an open and pyramidal habit and can be grown as a standalone specimen or part of a screening hedge. A native of Japan, Compact Fernspray is suitable for growing in zones 4 to 8, and is tolerant of drought once established.

Compact Fernspray Cypress Care

Ideally, the Compact Fernspray Cypress likes to grow in full sun. However, it will also tolerate some light shade. You can plant it in any moist, but free-draining soil, but it will need regular watering until it has formed a good root system. When grown in average soil, no extra fertilization is required. 

Since the Compact Fernspray Cypress is slow growing and tends to develop a naturally pleasing shape, little pruning is required. However, to keep it to size and shape, you can lightly trim it in early summer. This shrub will grow well in a container for many years. Potted plants will require more frequent irrigation to prevent the soil from completely drying out.

Compact Fernspray Cypress Spacing

Over time, the Compact Fernspray Cypress can grow to around 6 to 8 feet high and 3 to 4 feet wide. When grown as a group, space plants around 3 to 4 feet center from center to allow its natural habit to be appreciated.