Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Aurea Densa'

RHS Plant Profile
Lawson's cypress 'Aurea Densa'
Lawson's cypress 'Aurea Densa' RHS 2003

Synonyms

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Aurea Nana'

Award of Garden Merit
Conifers Shrubs

A slow-growing medium-sized evergreen shrub of compact conical outline. Foliage golden-yellow, in short, dense sprays

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

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

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
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

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

Propagation

Propagate by grafting and semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required, but shaped subjects, including hedges, will need trimming twice a year

Pests

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

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus and Phytophthora root diseases