Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Melody'

RHS Plant Profile
hinokoi cypress 'Melody'
Conifers Trees

A slow-growing, evergreen, conifer with a narrow, upright habit which broadens with age. The soft and feathery foliage is bright yellow-green, tinged with bronze tones during the winter months. It has a yearly growth rate of 7-15 cm, and is suitable for small gardens, rock gardens or as a container plant

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Cupressaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy, Columnar upright
Genus
Chamaecyparis are evergreen trees, usually of narrowly ovoid or columnar outline, with much-branched sprays of small scale-like leaves, and small, globose cones; tiny red male cones are conspicuous in a few cultivars
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in full sun or light shade in a consistently moist but well drained, fertile soil. Prefers acid or neutral soils but will tolerate chalky soil. See Conifer cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by grafting or by semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Rock garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Regular pruning is not required; however, the removal of damaged branches or shaping can be done from April to the end of August

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, juniper scale and shoot-boring moths

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus and Phytophthora root diseases