- Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 6 - 8 Feet
- Mature Spread 3 - 4 Feet
- Growing Zones 4 - 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.
Compact Fernspray Cypress Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 - 8 |
Plant Type: Bushes |
Light Exposure: Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 6 - 8 Feet |
Mature Spread: 3 - 4 Feet |
Spacing: 3 - 4 Feet |
Habit: Upright |
Flower Color(s): None |
Flower Description: |
Bloom Period: |
Foliage Type: Evergreen |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: Dark Green |
Seasonal Interest: 4 Season Interest |
Watering: Average |
Resists: Deer |
Tolerates: Drought |
Attracts: Birds |
Container Role: |
Uses: Containers, Hedges & Privacy, Specimen or Focal Point |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Foliage Interest, Fragrant, Low Maintenance |
Brand: |
Common Name: Compact Fernspray Cypress |
Other Name(s): |
Scientific Name: Chamaecyparis obtusa Filicoides Compacta |
- SKU:
- 1231002651-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.

Quart Pot
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts

2.5 Quart
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts

#1 Pot
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts

#2 Pot
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons

#3 Pot
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons

#5 Pot
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons

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Arrival Guarantee
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Pre-Ordered Plants
Pre-ordered plants are scheduled to ship in Spring 2025. We carefully plan our shipping dates based on your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to ensure optimal planting conditions upon arrival. Want it sooner/later? Reach out, and we'll try our best to accommodate.
Estimated Spring Shipping Schedule
Estimated ship week for pre-ordered plants will ship based on growing zones as shown below.
Growing Zone | Estimated Ship Week |
---|---|
Zone 10 | March 24th |
Zone 9 | March 31st |
Zone 8 | April 7th |
Zone 7 | April 14th |
Zone 6b | April 21st |
Zone 6a | April 28th |
Zone 5b | May 5th |
Zone 5a | May 12th |
Zone 4 | May 19th |
Zone 3 | May 26th |
Note: These are only estimated ship dates. Plants may ship out later depending on weather & growing conditions of the plant.
Note: Only plants indicated as pre-order will ship as shown above. All other plants and hard goods will ship as normal.
Plants Shipping Now
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.