Chamaecyparis lawsoniana

RHS Plant Profile
Lawson's cypress

Other common names

ginger pine, Oregon cedar, Port Orford cedar

Conifers Trees

A large, upright, conical tree with drooping branches, reaching up to 25m high. The aromatic, scale-like, dark green to glaucous green leaves, each 3-5mm long, are borne in flattened sprays. Small, globular male cones, 3-4mm long, are a reddish-pink in spring whilst the larger female seed cones are green maturing to brown

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Higher than 12 metres

Max Spread

4-8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
4-8 metres
Max Height
Higher than 12 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Foliage
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Cupressaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
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
Correct
Plant Range
W North America

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grows well in moist but well-drained soil. Tolerant of chalk soils but prefers slightly acidic soil

Propagation

Propagate by seed and semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • Low Maintenance
  • Hedging and screens

Pruning

No pruning required. If used as hedging, trim twice a year to maintain shape

Pests

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

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus and Phytophthora root diseases