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How to Grow Hinoki Cypress 'Boulevard'

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Hinoki Cypress 'Boulevard'

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Boulevard'

shrub

A compact, slow-growing cultivar of Hinoki Cypress with soft, feathery, steel-blue to silvery-blue foliage that becomes purplish in winter. It forms a dense, pyramidal to conical shape and is prized as an ornamental specimen plant or focal point in gardens. This dwarf variety typically reaches 10-20 feet tall and 6-10 feet wide at maturity, though growth is slow.

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Example Hinoki Cypress 'Boulevard' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Hinoki Cypress 'Boulevard'

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Hinoki Cypress 'Boulevard'

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Hinoki Cypress 'Boulevard' 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 development; afternoon shade beneficial in hot climates
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Water: Moderate water needs; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply 1-2 times weekly during establishment (first 2 years), then weekly during growing season. Reduce watering in winter. Drought stress can cause browning and dieback. Provide extra water during hot, dry summers.
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Spacing: 48 inches
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Days to maturity: 3-5 years to reach attractive ornamental size
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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as root ball; do not bury the crown

Soil

Type: Well-draining, slightly acidic loamy soil; avoid heavy clay or waterlogged conditions
pH: 5.5-6.5
Amendments:
Peat moss or composted bark to improve drainage and acidity Perlite or coarse sand for drainage enhancement Mulch (2-3 inches) to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 4b-8b; best performance in zones 5-7 with consistent moisture

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

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment

First year

Young plant with soft, delicate blue-tinted foliage; root system developing

Water consistently to keep soil moist. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch. Avoid transplanting. Protect from harsh winds and intense afternoon sun, especially in southern zones. Monitor for spider mites indoors if containerized.

2

Early Growth

Years 2-3

Plant fills out with denser branching; distinctive blue coloring intensifies; pyramidal form becomes evident

Continue regular watering. Light pruning can shape form if desired—prune in spring or early summer. Watch for spider mites in dry conditions. Apply balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring if needed (typically unnecessary if mulched).

3

Established Growth

Years 4-10

Plant reaches characteristic size and form; foliage deepens in color; new winter coloration (purplish tones) appears

Maintain consistent moisture, especially during drought. Prune only to shape or remove dead/diseased branches. No fertilizer needed if soil is adequate. Continue mulching. Monitor for winter damage after harsh freezes.

4

Mature

10+ years

Full-sized specimen with dense foliage and strong pyramidal silhouette; winter color shifts toward bronze-purple

Water during extended dry periods. Remove any dead interior branches or damaged tips. Avoid heavy pruning. Provide winter protection (anti-desiccant spray) in zones 4-5 if exposed to harsh drying winds.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Dwarf Japanese Maple Japanese Holly Boxwood Pieris Azalea Rhododendron Heuchera Hosta Sedge (Carex) Dwarf Conifer Varieties

Avoid planting near:

Black Walnut (produces juglone toxin) Areas with full afternoon sun in hot climates (southwest exposure above 85°F) Poorly drained or wet lowland areas Excessively windy, exposed locations in colder zones

Common Pests

  • Spray foliage with water to dislodge; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil in early morning or late evening. Maintain humidity. More problematic in hot, dry conditions.

  • Prevent through proper drainage and avoiding waterlogging. Improve air circulation. Remove and destroy severely affected plants. Use well-draining soil amendment.

  • Prune out heavily infested branches. Treat with horticultural oil in late winter or early spring before new growth. Inspect regularly.

  • Hand-pick bags in winter and early spring. Prune infested branches. Apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or neem oil in early summer.

  • Prune out infected branches 6 inches below visible damage; sterilize tools. Improve air circulation and drainage. Avoid wounding the plant.

Uses

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Specimen Plant & Focal Point

Ornamental

The striking blue-silver foliage and dense pyramidal form make 'Boulevard' an excellent choice for specimen plantings, entry gardens, and formal landscapes. Its winter color shift to bronze-purple adds year-round visual interest. [source]

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Winter Arrangements & Decoration

Household

Soft, feathery blue branches can be cut for fresh or dried winter holiday arrangements, wreaths, and floral designs. The fine texture and color add elegance to indoor displays. [source]

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Shelter & Nesting Habitat

Wildlife

Dense branching provides excellent shelter and nesting sites for small birds and wildlife. The compact form offers protection from predators and harsh weather. [source]

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Bonsai & Container Gardening

Craft

'Boulevard' is popular for container cultivation and bonsai due to its slow, compact growth and attractive feathery texture. It's ideal for patio displays and Japanese-style gardens. [source]

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Traditional Herbal Use

Medicinal

Hinoki Cypress wood and foliage have been used in traditional Japanese and Chinese medicine and aromatherapy. The essential oil is believed to have calming and antimicrobial properties. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

This is an ornamental plant, not grown for harvest. Foliage can be cut for decorative winter arrangements. Prune lightly in spring or early summer to maintain form; avoid pruning late in the season, which may encourage tender new growth susceptible to frost damage.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 The 'Boulevard' cultivar was introduced to the nursery trade in Japan and is sometimes called 'Boulevard Blue' due to its distinctive steel-blue juvenile foliage that resembles that of Sawara Cypress—a trait that persists throughout the plant's life rather than maturing to typical green.
  • 🌱 Hinoki Cypress is native to Central Japan and is considered a sacred timber; the wood is prized for temple construction and is naturally resistant to decay and insects.
  • 🌱 The foliage of 'Boulevard' becomes noticeably more purple or bronze-tinged in winter, a color shift triggered by cold temperatures that helps protect the plant from frost damage and UV radiation.

Gardening Terms

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

Cultivar Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade Transplant
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