The Cedar Rapids False Cypress is a distinctive evergreen.
Understanding Cedar Rapids False Cypress
The Cedar Rapids False Cypress, scientifically known as Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘RutCham1’, is an evergreen with a dense, pyramidal growth habit. It features lush, lime-green foliage that maintains its vibrant color year-round. Its feathery, scale-like fronds give the plant a soft texture.
This fast-growing variety reaches 25 to 30 feet tall with a 12 to 15-foot spread. Its upright, narrow form and unique twisting foliage create a distinctive texture.
Planting and Growing Conditions
The Cedar Rapids False Cypress thrives in locations that receive full sun to partial shade, requiring at least four to six hours of direct sunlight. While adaptable, it performs best in fertile, well-draining soil that remains consistently moist. Good drainage prevents root rot.
An ideal soil pH ranges from 5.0 to 6.0, preferring slightly acidic conditions. When planting, dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball, ensuring the top is level with or slightly above the surrounding ground. After planting, consistent watering is necessary for the first year to establish a strong root system. It is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 8, tolerating a wide range of winter temperatures.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Once established, it requires average water and becomes more drought-tolerant. During extended dry periods, supplemental watering helps it thrive. Applying a 2 to 3-inch layer of shredded bark mulch around the root zone conserves moisture, regulates soil temperature, and suppresses weeds.
Fertilization is generally not heavily needed. If desired, apply a balanced, slow-release evergreen fertilizer in early spring when the soil has thawed. Pruning is minimal and not typically required to maintain its tidy pyramidal shape. Any necessary pruning, such as removing dead or damaged growth or shaping, can be done in early summer or spring, avoiding cuts into branches thicker than a pencil. It is low-maintenance and generally resistant to deer.
Landscape Applications
Its distinctive form and year-round lime-green foliage offer versatility in landscape design. Its tall, narrow, pyramidal habit makes it an excellent specimen plant, creating a striking focal point. It can also be used in mass plantings to form a dense privacy screen or hedge, providing year-round coverage.
It is suitable for foundation plantings or as an accent in mixed borders, contributing texture and consistent color. Its upright growth is useful for providing privacy for multi-story homes. It brings an elegant touch to various garden styles, including formal, cottage, or woodland themes.