How to Grow Golden Mop Cypress

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Golden Mop Cypress

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Crippsii'

shrub

Golden Mop Cypress is a dwarf, coniferous evergreen shrub prized for its feathery, bright golden-yellow foliage that resembles a mop. It grows slowly into a dense, rounded mound and maintains its vibrant color year-round, making it an excellent ornamental choice for landscapes and containers.

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Example Golden Mop Cypress timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Golden Mop Cypress
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Golden Mop Cypress
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Golden Mop Cypress dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun to partial shade, 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best color

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Water: Moderate watering; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Drought-tolerant once established, but performs best with regular moisture. Reduce watering in winter.

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Spacing: 24-36 inches

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Days to maturity: Not applicable (ornamental shrub)

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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as root ball; do not bury stem

Soil

Type: Well-draining, slightly acidic loamy soil

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Peat moss Compost Perlite or sand for drainage

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 4-9, with best performance in zones 5-8

4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

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Growth Stages

Establishment

First year

Young plant freshly transplanted, foliage bright yellow-gold, root system developing

Water regularly to establish roots. Avoid planting during extreme heat or cold. Mulch around base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Vegetative Growth

Years 1-3

Plant fills out slowly, mounding form develops, foliage remains vibrant golden yellow

Monitor watering during dry periods. Avoid heavy fertilization; light feeding in early spring is sufficient. Remove any dead branches.

Mature Form

Years 3+

Plant reaches 2-4 feet tall and wide, develops dense, rounded mounding form with characteristic feathery texture

Minimal pruning needed. Light shaping after spring growth can maintain form. Watch for spider mites in hot, dry conditions.

Seasonal Color Variation

Year-round cycles

Foliage may develop bronzy-gold tones in winter, returning to bright gold in spring and summer

Color variation is normal and part of the plant's appeal. Ensure adequate light exposure to maintain golden hue; shade can result in green tones.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Dwarf Japanese maple Heather Creeping juniper Sedum Ornamental grasses Boxwood Lavender

Avoid planting near:

Plants requiring consistent high humidity Water-loving plants that prefer soggy soil Tall evergreens that will shade it completely

Common Pests

Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap if infestation persists. More common in hot, dry conditions.
Hand-pick bags in winter and early spring before emergence. Use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray in June-July for young larvae.
Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering. Remove affected plants. Improve soil aeration and amend with perlite.
Spray with horticultural oil in late winter or early spring. Remove heavily infested branches.

Uses

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Landscape Accent

Ornamental

Golden Mop Cypress serves as a striking focal point in gardens and landscapes due to its unique golden foliage and delicate, feathery texture. It's ideal for rock gardens, mixed borders, foundation plantings, and Japanese gardens. [source]

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Container Growing

Ornamental

Its compact, dwarf form makes it perfect for container cultivation on patios, decks, and entryways. It can be used in mixed container plantings or as a standalone specimen. [source]

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Wildlife Shelter

Wildlife

The dense foliage provides shelter and nesting sites for birds and beneficial insects. Its evergreen form offers year-round protection. [source]

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Seasonal Interest

Ornamental

The plant's color variation through seasons—bright gold in summer, bronzy-gold in winter—provides continuous visual interest throughout the year, especially in winter landscapes. [source]

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Bonsai Training

Household

Golden Mop Cypress can be trained and maintained as a bonsai specimen, responding well to careful pruning and shaping over time. [source]

Harvest Tips

Not a harvestable plant. Pruning for shape maintenance can be done in spring after new growth begins. Remove dead foliage or branches anytime.

Fun Facts

🌱 The name 'Mop' refers to the plant's distinctive feathery, mop-like foliage texture, which sets it apart from most other compact conifers.
🌱 Golden Mop Cypress is a cultivar of Hinoki cypress, a native Japanese tree species valued for centuries in Japanese gardens and traditional landscape design.
🌱 Despite its delicate appearance, this shrub is quite hardy and can tolerate temperatures well below zero once established, making it suitable for northern gardens.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade Transplant

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