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Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Filifera Aurea Nana'
dwarf golden thread cypress
Japan (species); cultivar of garden origin
Overview
Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Filifera Aurea Nana' is a dwarf golden cultivar of Sawara cypress forming a dense mound 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 m) tall and 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 m) wide over 20-30 years, far smaller than the 50-70 foot (15-21 m) species. The foliage is reduced to slender, thread-like pendent branchlets that hang from arching stems, golden-yellow in full sun and greener in shade. The scale leaves are pressed to the whip-like shoots, giving a soft, stringy texture. Tiny brown cones about 0.25 inch (6 mm) across form among the foliage but stay mostly hidden. It grows slowly in full sun to part shade on moist, well-drained, slightly acid soil and holds its color through winter, though the foliage can scorch in dry wind or intense reflected heat, and wet or alkaline soils cause thinning. Hardy in USDA zones 5-8, this cultivar is grown as a specimen, in foundation plantings, in rock gardens, and in large containers. Unlike the species, its dwarf rate and threadlike habit keep it at shrub scale for decades.
Native Range
The species Chamaecyparis pisifera is native to the moist mountain forests of central and southern Japan, on Honshu and Kyushu. The cultivar 'Filifera Aurea Nana' arose in cultivation and is not found in the wild.Suggested Uses
Grown as a low specimen, in foundation and mixed shrub plantings, in rock and gravel gardens, and in large containers, spaced 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 m) apart. The golden winter color is used to contrast with dark green or blue conifers.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 5'
Width/Spread3' - 4'
Reaches mature size in approximately 25 years
Colors
Bloom Information
As a conifer, this cultivar does not flower. Small pollen cones shed in spring, and round seed cones about 0.25 inch (6 mm) across ripen from green to brown among the threadlike foliage.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Golden-yellow thread-like pendent branchlets, greener in shadeGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow in full sun for the deepest golden color, or part shade where summers are hot. Plant in moist, well-drained soil that is neutral to slightly acid, around pH 5.5-7.5, and keep it evenly watered during dry spells, since the roots tolerate little drought. Foliage can scorch in cold dry wind or intense reflected heat, so a sheltered position reduces winter burn. Wet, poorly drained, or alkaline soils lead to thinning and dieback. Established plants need little feeding beyond an occasional spring mulch. Hardy in USDA zones 5-8.Pruning
Prune lightly in spring to shape the mound and remove any dead or scorched branchlets. Cutting back into bare old wood does not produce new growth, so trimming stays within the green, foliage-bearing shoots. Removing the occasional reverted green or overly vigorous stem keeps the threadlike habit even.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 7 gallons