Fernspray Gold Hinoki False Cypress

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Fernspray Gold'

Nature Hills Nursery

Golden Feathery Foliage in Graceful Weeping Sprays Adds Year-Round Color Without Pruning
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-8
Grows 5-6 ft Tall, 3-4 ft Wide
Evergreen Year-Round Color and Privacy
Perfect for Specimen in Rock Gardens

$132³⁷

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Plant Size

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Provide at least 6 hours of direct sun to maintain the brightest golden hue on the foliage. While it tolerates partial shade, the color will fade to a lime green and the growth habit may become less dense.
Soil: This cypress thrives in moist and well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. For heavy clay areas, mix in some organic compost and plant it slightly high in a mound to prevent the roots from sitting in stagnant water.

Watering Requirements

During the first two years, water your plant deeply twice a week to help the root system reach out into the surrounding soil. Mature plants develop moderate drought tolerance, but they still need supplemental water during extreme summer heat to prevent the delicate fronds from scorching. Inconsistent watering often results in internal needle drop and a loss of the vibrant gold color.

Pruning Tips

This conifer does not regenerate from old wood, so you must never prune back into the leafless interior of the branches. Use hand shears in late spring to lightly trim the outer green tips if you want to maintain a specific size or shape. Think of it like a light haircut that encourages the plant to stay full and lush without damaging its permanent structure.

Fertilizer Needs

Feed your Fernspray Gold with a slow-release fertilizer designed for evergreens in the early spring before new growth starts. Avoid applying high-nitrogen fertilizers in the late summer or fall. This prevents the plant from producing soft new growth that would be killed off by the first hard frost of winter.

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, Evergreen, Deer-resistant, Hedge/Screen, Heat Tolerant, Drought resistant, Non-invasive
Hardiness Zone	4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	5-6 ft
Width	3-4 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Peaty, Sandy
Growth Rate	Slow
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Brown, Green
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Arborvitae
Botanical Name	Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Fernspray Gold'
Species	obtusa
Cultivar	Fernspray Gold
Class	Pinopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Fernspray Gold Hinoki False Cypress ? A Golden Cascade!

Brighten your landscape with the Fernspray Gold Hinoki False Cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Fernspray Gold'), a stunning evergreen conifer that offers year-round color, soft texture, and an elegant, arching habit.

With feathery golden foliage arranged in gently weeping sprays, this compact, easy-care evergreen adds brightness and contrast to your garden! Unlike traditional evergreens, Fernspray Gold combines rich color with a naturally sculpted shape, requiring little to no pruning to maintain its graceful, soft-to-the-touch texture, and upright form.

As the seasons change, the brilliant yellow-gold tones deepen, intensifying in full sun, while the fern-like branches create a soft, layered effect.

Key Features of the Fernspray Gold Hinoki False Cypress

This sun-kissed evergreen delivers year-round beauty, effortless maintenance, and a striking contrast to green landscapes.

Golden, Feathery Foliage ? Lush fern-like sprays of bright gold-green foliage bring warmth and texture to the garden.
Naturally Graceful Form ? Upright with gently arching branches, creating a soft, cascading effect.
Compact & Manageable Size ? Grows 5-6 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide, making it perfect for small spaces.
Low Maintenance & Slow Growing ? Maintains its elegant shape naturally, needing little to no pruning.
Cold Hardy & Heat Tolerant ? Highly adaptable to a wide variety of climates with ease.
Deer & Pest Resistant ? Naturally unappealing to deer and other browsing animals, ensuring year-round resilience.

This cold-hardy, deer-resistant, and low-maintenance conifer is perfect for formal gardens, Japanese landscapes, or as a glowing focal point in any setting.

Where to Plant Fernspray Gold Hinoki False Cypress

The False Cypress is a versatile, golden evergreen that fits beautifully into both formal and casual landscapes, adding soft movement, structure, and warmth.

Specimen & Focal Points ? Makes an eye-catching accent in beds, courtyards, and entryways.
Foundation Plantings ? Complements homes, patios, and walkways with its rich, textured foliage.
Japanese & Zen Gardens ? A natural fit for tranquil landscapes, pairing well with stones and Japanese Maples.
Mixed Evergreen Borders ? Contrasts beautifully with blue, green, or dark evergreen shrubs.
Xeric-Landscaping & Dry Landscapes ? Adapts well to well-drained, rocky soils, and rock gardens adding structure and height.
Container Gardening ? Thrives in large pots for patios, balconies, and small garden spaces.

Care & Maintenance

This hardy, slow-growing conifer thrives with minimal care, making it a long-lasting, low-maintenance landscape investment.

Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade; best color develops in at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Soil: Thrives in well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil; tolerates sandy or loamy conditions.
Watering: Water deeply when young; once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant.
Mulching: Apply a 3-4 inch mulch layer to retain moisture and protect roots.
Pruning: Minimal pruning required?only remove dead or wayward branches to maintain shape.
Fertilizing: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to encourage healthy growth.

Illuminate Your Garden With Fernspray Gold Hinoki False Cypress!

With its graceful form, golden foliage, and year-round interest, Fernspray Gold Hinoki False Cypress is an unbeatable choice for adding warmth, contrast, and texture to any landscape. Whether used as a specimen plant, a glowing accent in mixed borders, or a natural fit for Japanese gardens, this striking coniferous evergreen delivers beauty with ease!

Order yours today and bring a golden touch of elegance to your landscape!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How fast does Fernspray Gold Hinoki False Cypress grow?

It has a slow to moderate growth rate, reaching its mature height in several years.

Does it need frequent pruning?

No! Its natural shape remains elegant and structured, requiring only light shaping if desired.

Can it grow in containers?

Yes! Its compact size and slow growth make it an excellent choice for large patio containers.

Is it deer-resistant?

Yes! Deer and rabbits tend to avoid Hinoki False Cypress, making it a great choice for wildlife-prone gardens.

Fernspray Gold Hinoki False Cypress

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Fernspray Gold'