Golden Hinoki Cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Kamaeni Hiba') is a rare dwarf conifer prized for its striking bright lemon-yellow foliage and distinctive twisted, clustered branch tips. The new growth has a soft, fluffy texture that clumps together in rounded mounds, giving the plant a unique, almost sculptural appearance. The overall form is pyramidal with a gently irregular silhouette. At maturity, this slow-growing evergreen reaches 3 to 4 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide over the course of about 10 years.
Golden Hinoki Cypress is an excellent choice for rock gardens, container plantings, and mixed conifer borders where year-round color and texture are desired. Its compact size makes it well-suited for small yards, patio settings, and as a focal point in garden beds. The bold golden color pairs naturally with green or blue-toned conifers for striking contrast. This plant is cold hardy in USDA Zones 4 through 8, making it a versatile option across a wide range of climates.
Golden Hinoki Cypress Care
Plant your Golden Hinoki Cypress in a location that receives full sun for the best foliage color; the yellow tones will fade noticeably in too much shade. It prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil and benefits from a layer of mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Water regularly after planting to help the plant establish, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Once established, water when the top few inches of soil become dry. Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in the spring to support healthy growth.
Golden Hinoki Cypress requires very little pruning and is naturally low-maintenance once established. If shaping is needed, prune lightly in late spring after new growth has emerged. Remove any dead or damaged branches as needed throughout the year. Avoid heavy pruning, as this plant grows slowly and does not recover quickly from significant cuts. Minimal intervention will keep your plant looking its best.
Golden Hinoki Cypress Spacing
Space Golden Hinoki Cypress plants at least 3 feet apart to allow for their mature spread and adequate air circulation. Their compact size makes them well-suited for tight spaces, borders, and container gardens on patios or decks. Avoid planting in heavily shaded spots or in areas with poor drainage, as both conditions will compromise foliage color and overall health. When used in a mixed planting, position this plant where it will receive unobstructed sunlight throughout the day.
Golden Hinoki Cypress Information
| USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 - 8 |
| Plant Type: Conifers |
| Light Exposure: Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
| Mature Height: 3 - 4 Feet |
| Mature Spread: 2 - 3 Feet |
| Spacing: 3 Feet |
| Habit: Pyramidal, Mounding |
| Flower Color(s): None |
| Flower Description: |
| Bloom Period: |
| Foliage Type: Evergreen |
| Foliage Color(s): Yellow, Chartreuse |
| Foliage Description: Bright Lemon Yellow with Chartreuse Interior |
| Seasonal Interest: 4 Season Interest |
| Watering: Average |
| Resists: N/A |
| Tolerates: N/A |
| Attracts: N/A |
| Container Role: Thriller |
| Uses: Borders, Containers, Rock Gardens, Specimen or Focal Point |
| Features: Foliage Interest, Low Maintenance, Rare |
| Brand: |
| Common Name: Golden Hinoki Cypress |
| Other Name(s): |
| Scientific Name: Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Kamaeni Hiba' |
- SKU:
- 1231029443-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.
4.5" Pot
Also Known As:
4.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts
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
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addicts Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts always guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy & healthy. However, plant(s) are being shipped through the mail & sometimes accidents happen. If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped, just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. We may ask for pictures but will try to make it as easy as possible for you. Please note, plant(s) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee. Plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly.
For more information on how to care for your new plants, please click on our guide below.
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty, whether you're a new gardener or an expert. There are many variables outside of anyone's control that can cause a plant to die. Hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, diseases & pests are all good examples of what can cause plants to die. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all of the unknowns and will replace your plant if something were to happen to it.
The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant(s). We will cover 100% of the price of the plant, but the warranty does not cover shipping costs. SImply let us know if your plant has died within 1 year of receiving it and we will get you a new one shipped out as soon as possible (depending on the time of the year and availability). We may ask for photos for documentation purposes, but we try to make the process as easy as possible.
For more information, please click on our page below.
Plant Shipping
Below are some factors we consider when determining when to ship the plants depending on the timing of the order.
Winter to Early Spring
We ship only when it's warm enough to plant in your growing zone.
Sometimes plants aren't completely ready to sell and ship in early spring. We will wait until the plants are ready before shipping so you don't get a subpar product.
For Southern plants we will be able to ship much earlier than plants coming from our northern nursery.
Summer
If there is extreme heat we may delay shipping for a week or several weeks.
We review what areas the plants are traveling through as well as your location.
Fall into Winter
We’ll ship plants out all the way up to the end of the fall planting season!
Winter
Get your order in early to reserve your plants for Spring planting!
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an automated email with tracking information.
Click here for more detailed shipping information.
Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations