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How to Grow Nana Compacta Hinoki Cypress

Nana Compacta Hinoki Cypress

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Nana Compacta'

shrub

A dwarf evergreen conifer prized for its dense, compact pyramidal form and soft, feathery golden-green foliage. This cultivar grows very slowly, making it ideal for small gardens, rock gardens, and container cultivation. It maintains its attractive form with minimal pruning and provides year-round ornamental interest.

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Example Nana Compacta Hinoki Cypress timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Nana Compacta Hinoki Cypress

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Nana Compacta Hinoki Cypress

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Nana Compacta Hinoki Cypress dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Partial shade to full sun; prefers 4-6 hours of sunlight daily. In hot climates (zone 8+), afternoon shade is beneficial to prevent foliage scorch.
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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply once or twice weekly during growing season. Reduce watering in winter. Avoid drought stress, which can turn foliage brown.
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Spacing: 24-36 inches (3-4 feet apart for mature size) inches
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Days to maturity: Not applicable for ornamental shrub; reaches mature size of 3-5 feet over 10-15 years
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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as root ball; do not bury stem collar

Soil

Type: Well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil with good organic matter
pH: 5.5-7.0
Amendments:
Peat moss or compost for moisture retention Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Mulch to retain moisture and regulate temperature

Growing Zones

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Thrives in USDA zones 4-8, with best performance in zones 5-7

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

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment

First year after planting

Young transplant with small root system; foliage appears bright green to golden-green

Water regularly to establish roots. Protect from strong winds and extreme heat. Avoid fertilizing the first year.

2

Vegetative Growth

2-5 years

Slow, steady growth with increasingly dense branching and deepening golden coloration. Plant develops its characteristic compact pyramidal shape.

Maintain consistent moisture. Mulch base to retain moisture and moderate soil temperature. Light pruning to maintain shape if desired.

3

Maturity

5+ years and ongoing

Plant reaches 3-5 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide with dense, finely textured foliage. Golden-green color is most vibrant.

Minimal pruning needed. Remove any dead branches. Continue regular watering during dry spells. Apply balanced fertilizer in spring if growth is slow.

4

Winter Dormancy

November-March in cold climates

Foliage may take on bronzy or copper tones in cold climates as a natural response to frost

Protect from harsh winter winds with burlap if in exposed location. Ensure soil moisture is adequate before ground freezes. Reduce or stop watering as growth slows.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Japanese maple Rhododendron Azalea Hosta Fern Heuchera Dwarf yew Boxwood Juniper cultivars

Avoid planting near:

Black walnut (produces juglone toxin) Aggressive spreading plants like bamboo Large trees that will shade it excessively Salt-spray areas or de-icing salt zones

Common Pests

  • Increase humidity by misting. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap in severe cases. Prune affected foliage.

  • Hand remove or use horticultural oil spray in early spring or late fall

  • and (fungal)

    Ensure excellent drainage. Avoid overwatering. Remove affected plant parts. Improve air circulation.

  • Hand pick bag cases. Spray with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) in late spring if infestation is severe

Uses

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Landscape Focal Point

Ornamental

The compact pyramidal form and golden-green foliage make Nana Compacta an excellent specimen plant for foundation plantings, rock gardens, and small spaces where full-size conifers would be inappropriate. [source]

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Container and Patio Gardening

Household

Its slow growth and compact size make it ideal for cultivation in large decorative pots on patios, decks, and entryways, providing year-round structure and interest. [source]

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Shelter for Small Birds and Insects

Wildlife

The dense, fine foliage provides shelter and nesting sites for small birds and beneficial insects, contributing to garden biodiversity while remaining ornamental. [source]

🎨

Bonsai and Japanese Garden Design

Craft

Nana Compacta is popular in Japanese garden design and bonsai cultivation due to its naturally refined proportions and slow growth habit, making it suitable for long-term shaping. [source]

Harvest Tips

Not applicable; this is an ornamental shrub not harvested for food or material. Remove dead or diseased branches anytime for plant health.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Nana Compacta is one of the slowest-growing Hinoki cypress cultivars, sometimes gaining only 1-2 inches per year, making it virtually maintenance-free in the landscape.
  • 🌱 The name 'Hinoki' comes from Japanese, meaning 'fire tree,' as the wood was traditionally used to start sacred fires in Japanese temples.
  • 🌱 Chamaecyparis obtusa is native to Japan and Taiwan, where it grows as a tall forest tree; the 'Nana Compacta' cultivar is a human-selected dwarf form that was likely discovered as a genetic sport or seedling variant.

Gardening Terms

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

Cultivar Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade Transplant
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