Soft Serve® Gold False Cypress

Chamaecyparis pisifera 'FARROWCGMS'

Proven Winners®

Soft Serve® Gold False Cypress Delivers Year-Round Yellow-Green Feathery Foliage in a Charming Columnar Form
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-8
Grows 8-10 ft Tall, 6-8 ft Wide
Evergreen Year-Round Color and Privacy
Perfect for Privacy Screen or Foundation Planting

$26¹⁴

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Plant Size

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This evergreen performs best in full sun, which means at least 6 hours of direct light daily. While it handles partial shade well, you will see the brightest gold color and the densest foliage when it gets plenty of sunshine.
Soil: It prefers moist, well drained soil that is slightly acidic. If you have heavy clay, mix in some organic compost to improve drainage or plant it in a slightly raised mound to keep the roots from sitting in water.

Watering Requirements

During the first year, water your Soft Serve Gold once or twice a week to keep the soil consistently moist while the roots get settled. Once established, this shrub is quite drought tolerant, but inconsistent watering during extreme heat can cause the inner needles to brown and drop prematurely. Think of regular watering as insurance for that lush, golden glow.

Pruning Tips

This False Cypress naturally grows into a tidy pyramid and usually does not need a haircut. If you must shape it, do so in early spring before the new growth starts since it grows on old wood and does not sprout easily from bare branches. Only trim the soft, outer green or gold growth and avoid cutting back into the leafless interior wood where the plant cannot regenerate.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced evergreen fertilizer in early spring just as the buds begin to swell. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer or fall. Doing so can trigger soft new growth that will not have time to harden off before the first frost, which often leads to unsightly winter burn.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Compact/Dwarf, Evergreen, Deer-resistant, Hedge/Screen, Heat Tolerant, Drought resistant, Container Friendly, Non-invasive
Hardiness Zone	4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	8-10 ft
Width	6-8 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Growth Rate	Moderate
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Brown, Green
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Arborvitae
Botanical Name	Chamaecyparis pisifera 'FARROWCGMS'
Species	pisifera
Cultivar	FARROWCGMS
Class	Pinopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

The Soft Serve® Gold False Cypress PP#30665 (Chamaecyparis pisifera 'FARROWCGMS') adds a delectable touch to your landscape and is as sweet and easy as a summer ice-cream cone! False Cypress, in general, are one of those plants that should be in your garden in some form or another - and there are many forms!

A Proven Winners® offering, the Soft Serve® Gold has feathery yellow-green foliage that stands out all year in the garden. The soft needles grow in graceful whorls all along the stems creating a "soft-serve ice cream" look.

They have a cute chunky columnar habit that will fit into just about any garden, big, small, or other. They are very useful in any setting, from contemporary to cottage to country.

This is an evergreen so it looks great year-round! Summer heat or winter cold, neither faze Soft Serve® Gold, growing throughout USDA planting zones 4 to 8! These pyramidal shrubs grow 8 - 10 feet in height and spread just 6 - 8 feet wide at the base.

Landscape Application:

Use Soft Serve® Gold as a fun border plant or punch up a tired foundation planting; one will soften and accent the corner of your home beautifully! They add instant interest wherever you plant them. They are soft - both to look at and to touch. They complement just about any other plant in your garden, too.

Like its greener sibling, the Soft Serve® Gold is a beautiful plant that adds visual vertical interest and pleasing shape to the landscape. Soft Serve® Gold is extremely low-maintenance and is a great alternative to more fickle Alberta Spruce.

Need a show-stopping hedge? Plant these 3 feet apart on center (measuring from the center trunk of one to the next). Consider using this plant to create a solid screen to block unwanted views. For a head start on a hedge, be sure to buy the largest plant size we have on hand.

Plant this small tree in a large decorative container and you'll gain year-round appeal and years of enjoyment! Use two containers for a sentinel display at your front door.

Golden Green Fern-Like Branches
Compact Conical Conifer
Year-Round Visual Interest
Graceful, Soft Ornamental Form
Great Specimens, Ideal For Hedges & Perfect Container Plant

#ProPlantTips for Care:

This is an evergreen so it looks great year-round. Summer heat or winter cold, neither faze Soft Serve® Gold. Select your location so it has protection from harsh winter sun and winds. Soft Serve Cypress is a good plant for cooler coastal ranges and eastern slopes in the hotter, dryer climates. Watch the water in the summer and grow this plant on the moist side.

This compact selection requires little or no pruning, but minimal pruning can be done in summer if desired to maintain it as a hedge.

Soft Serve® is extremely adaptable but prefers moist, well-drained soils with a pH of 5.5 to 6. Prepare your location with an acid planting mix if the pH is high. Amend your planting soil with about 25% Dr. Earths Acid Lovers Planting Mix and fertilize 4 times a year with Dr. Earths Acid Lovers Organic and Natural Acid Fertilizer to maintain lower pH.

Once it's planted, water it in very well, then place mulch to a depth of 3 to 4 inches. Spread the mulch out in a circle 3 feet around the trunk to keep roots cool and to cut down on surface moisture evaporation. Please, don't let the mulch touch the trunk itself!

Live in a deer area? Soft Serve® is known to be deer-resistant, however, it's always best to spray Deer Repellent the day you plant anything in "deer country".

Full Sun
Moderate Moisture Needs & Any Well-Drained Soil Location
Prune In Summer - Minimal Pruning Needed Due To Methodical Slower Growth
Low Maintenance & Deer Resistant
Salt Tolerant for Roadside Use

Graceful and colorful, the Soft Serve® Gold False Cypress is a 'don't miss' addition to your garden this year! Order soon at NatureHills.com because these unique beauties are sure to sell out!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much sun does Soft Serve® Gold False Cypress need – full sun, part sun, or shade?

Soft Serve® Gold False Cypress thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. This adaptable evergreen performs best with at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily to maintain its vibrant yellow-green foliage color. Plant in a location with morning sun and some afternoon protection in zones 7-8 for optimal growth.

How often should I water Soft Serve® Gold False Cypress, and does it tolerate drought?

Water Soft Serve® Gold False Cypress weekly during its first year, then reduce to biweekly watering once established. This hardy evergreen tolerates drought well in zones 4-8 after the root system matures. Check soil moisture 2 inches down and water deeply when dry - find quality plants at naturehills.com.

Does Soft Serve® Gold False Cypress need fertilizer, and what kind?

Soft Serve® Gold False Cypress rarely needs fertilizer once established, as it's extremely low-maintenance. If your soil is poor, apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers that can cause excessive growth and reduce the plant's natural hardiness.

When and how should I prune Soft Serve® Gold False Cypress?

Soft Serve® Gold False Cypress requires minimal pruning due to its naturally attractive pyramidal shape. Light pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Simply remove any dead, damaged, or wayward branches to maintain the columnar form. Avoid heavy pruning as it can damage the plant's natural growth pattern.

How is Soft Serve® Gold False Cypress shipped, and what size are the plants upon arrival?

Soft Serve® Gold False Cypress ships as established nursery plants in containers, with sizes varying by current availability at Nature Hills. These hardy evergreens arrive ready to plant in zones 4-8 and will mature to 8-10 feet tall. Choose the largest available size for faster hedge establishment when planting 3 feet apart.

Is Soft Serve® Gold False Cypress a slow grower, and how long until it reaches maturity?

Soft Serve® Gold False Cypress is a moderate grower that typically reaches its mature size of 8-10 feet tall in 10-15 years. This evergreen maintains attractive form throughout zones 4-8 without frequent pruning. For faster hedge establishment, plant the largest available size and space 3 feet apart.

How do I check my zone shipping availability for Soft Serve® Gold False Cypress before buying?

Soft Serve® Gold False Cypress thrives in USDA zones 4-8. Check your planting zone on the USDA Hardiness Zone Map, then verify shipping availability in your cart during checkout.

Soft Serve® Gold False Cypress

Chamaecyparis pisifera 'FARROWCGMS'