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How to Grow Weeping Hinoki Cypress

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Weeping Hinoki Cypress

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Pendula'

tree

A graceful, weeping cultivar of Hinoki cypress characterized by soft, feathery foliage and drooping branches that create an elegant, fountain-like silhouette. This evergreen conifer is prized as an ornamental specimen tree for its fine texture, year-round interest, and sculptural form. It grows slowly to moderately and can reach 20-50 feet tall depending on the specific cultivar and growing conditions.

Looking for a specific variety?

Pendula Gracilis Pendula Crippsii Columnaris Filicoides Boulevard

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

  1. Plant Weeping 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 Weeping Hinoki Cypress

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

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

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun to partial shade; prefers 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal form and color
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Water: Moderate, consistent moisture; water deeply once or twice weekly during the growing season. Avoid waterlogging. Reduce watering in winter. Young trees need more frequent watering until established.
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Spacing: 48 inches
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Days to maturity: Not applicable for ornamental tree; reaches mature form in 10-20 years
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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 or sandy soil
pH: 5.5-6.5
Amendments:
Compost or aged bark mulch Peat moss for moisture retention Perlite or coarse sand if soil is heavy

Growing Zones

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Thrives best in USDA zones 4b-7b; tolerates zone 4a and 8a with protection

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

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment

6-12 months

Young transplant with small root system establishing in the garden

Water consistently 2-3 times weekly. Mulch around base. Avoid fertilizing for first 6 months. Stake if necessary in windy areas.

2

Early Growth

1-3 years

Tree begins developing its characteristic weeping form with new soft, feathery growth

Maintain consistent moisture. Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring. Minimal pruning needed; remove only dead or diseased branches.

3

Developing Form

3-8 years

Increasingly drooping branches create the signature weeping silhouette; foliage deepens in color

Water during dry spells. Prune lower branches if they touch ground or interfere with pathways. Watch for spider mites in dry conditions.

4

Mature Specimen

8+ years

Fully developed weeping form with dense, graceful branching and rich green foliage

Water deeply during droughts. Minimal pruning; only remove dead wood and wayward branches. Monitor for pests and disease. No fertilizer needed for established trees.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Japanese maple Rhododendron Azalea Hosta Hellebore Liriope Coral bells Fern

Avoid planting near:

Black walnut (produces juglone toxin) Shallow-rooted trees competing for water

Common Pests

  • Spray foliage with water to remove mites; use miticide if severe. Ensure adequate humidity and avoid drought stress.

  • Hand-pick and destroy bags; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray in early summer when caterpillars are small.

  • Spray with horticultural oil in late winter or early spring; prune heavily infested branches.

  • Prune and destroy infected branches 12 inches below visible damage. Disinfect pruning tools. Improve air circulation.

Uses

🌿

Specimen Tree & Focal Point

Ornamental

The graceful weeping form makes it an exceptional focal point in landscape designs, particularly in Japanese gardens, shade gardens, or as a standalone specimen. Its year-round evergreen foliage and elegant silhouette provide structure and visual interest in all seasons. [source]

🏠

Privacy Screen & Windbreak

Household

When planted in groups or as a border, the dense foliage provides visual privacy and can help buffer wind in temperate climates. The soft texture offers a more refined alternative to rigid screening plants. [source]

🦋

Wildlife Habitat

Wildlife

The dense evergreen branches provide shelter and nesting sites for birds and small wildlife throughout the year. The tree offers protection from predators and harsh weather. [source]

🎨

Bonsai & Pruning Art

Craft

Hinoki cypress is highly valued in bonsai cultivation and espalier training due to its fine foliage and responsive growth habit. Its flexible branches allow creative shaping. [source]

Harvest Tips

Not harvested; grown as an ornamental. Cones develop in fall but are left on the tree for aesthetic value.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Weeping Hinoki cypress is native to mountainous regions of central Japan, where it has been cultivated in gardens for centuries and is considered sacred in Shinto tradition.
  • 🌱 The scientific name 'obtusa' means 'blunt' and refers to the blunt-tipped foliage scales, distinguishing it from other Chamaecyparis species.
  • 🌱 This cultivar is slow-growing but can eventually reach 20-50+ feet tall with a similar spread, making it a long-lived investment tree that can outlive multiple generations.

Gardening Terms

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

Cultivar Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade Transplant
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