How to Grow Lawson's Cypress 'Pembury Blue'
Wikimedia Commons
Lawson's Cypress 'Pembury Blue'
Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Pembury Blue'
treeLawson's Cypress 'Pembury Blue' is a compact coniferous evergreen tree prized for its striking blue-gray foliage and narrow, columnar form. It grows slowly to a medium height, making it an excellent choice for smaller gardens, hedging, or ornamental focal points. This cultivar maintains its blue coloration year-round and adds architectural interest to landscape designs.
When should you plant Lawson's Cypress 'Pembury Blue' in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Lawson's Cypress 'Pembury Blue' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Lawson's Cypress 'Pembury Blue'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Lawson's Cypress 'Pembury Blue'
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Lawson's Cypress 'Pembury Blue' dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5b-9a, preferring cooler to moderate climates
Sign up free to see if Lawson's Cypress 'Pembury Blue' grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Lawson's Cypress 'Pembury Blue' timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
First yearYoung plant focuses on root development with slow height gain; foliage is vibrant blue-gray
Water regularly to establish deep roots. Protect from strong winds. Mulch around base with 2-3 inches of organic material, keeping away from stem.
Juvenile Growth
Years 2-5Tree develops its characteristic narrow, columnar form with dense, feathery foliage; blue color intensifies
Maintain consistent moisture. Light pruning to shape if desired. No major pruning needed. Feed with slow-release conifer fertilizer in spring.
Mature Development
Years 5-15Tree reaches full columnar form (12-20 feet tall, 3-4 feet wide). Foliage becomes denser and color deepens.
Minimal pruning required. Remove any dead or diseased branches. Ensure good air circulation around base. Continue moderate watering during dry periods.
Full Maturity
15+ years onwardTree reaches its ultimate height and width with full, dense branching; maintains vibrant blue-gray coloration
Occasional maintenance pruning only. Monitor for pests and disease. Prune lower branches if improved sight lines needed. Mulch annually.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Maintain tree vigor through proper watering and care; remove affected branches; use horticultural oil in early spring if infestation occurs
-
Increase humidity and air circulation; spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe
-
Prune affected branches; apply horticultural oil during dormant season or growing season depending on scale type
-
Improve drainage; avoid overhead watering; prune out diseased branches 6 inches below affected area; sterilize tools between cuts
Uses
Ornamental Focal Point
HouseholdThe striking blue-gray columnar form makes 'Pembury Blue' an excellent specimen plant for creating vertical emphasis in gardens, small landscapes, and container plantings. Its narrow profile works well as a screen, accent, or architectural element in modern and traditional garden designs. [source]
Hedging and Privacy Screen
HouseholdMultiple trees can be planted closely together to create a living privacy screen or windbreak. The dense foliage provides year-round coverage and the narrow form maximizes space efficiency. [source]
Wildlife Shelter
WildlifeDense evergreen foliage provides shelter and nesting sites for birds and small wildlife throughout the year, especially in winter when deciduous plants are bare. [source]
Cut Foliage for Arrangements
CraftFoliage sprigs can be harvested for fresh or dried floral arrangements, adding elegant blue-gray color and texture to winter bouquets and holiday decorations. [source]
Harvest Tips
This is an ornamental tree, not harvested for edible or usable material. Remove dead or diseased branches as needed throughout the year. Light shaping can be done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Lawson's Cypress is native to Oregon and Northern California, where it grows in cool, moist forest environments along coastal regions and mountain ranges.
- 🌱 'Pembury Blue' was named after the Pembury nursery in England where it was developed, and its distinctive blue-gray foliage comes from a natural color mutation within the species.
- 🌱 This cultivar is sometimes called 'Blue Lawson Cypress' and is a dwarf to semi-dwarf selection, making it far more practical for home gardens than the species, which can exceed 60 feet in height.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Lawson's Cypress 'Pembury Blue' planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Lawson's Cypress 'Pembury Blue' seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Lawson's Cypress 'Pembury Blue' timeline →