Golden Hinoki False Cypress

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Crippsii'

Nature Hills Nursery

Hardy in zones 4-8 with excellent cold tolerance and adaptability to various garden conditions
Brilliant golden foliage brightens to rich gold in full sun and holds vibrant color through winter
Slow-growing pyramidal form reaches 10-15 feet tall over many years, ideal for smaller gardens and foundation plantings
Deer-resistant evergreen requires minimal maintenance once established with no pruning or shearing needed

$91⁵⁸

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Plant Size

#3 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Give this conifer at least six hours of direct sun daily for the best golden color. In partial shade, the foliage will be more yellow-green and less vibrant, though the plant will still grow well.

Soil: Plant in moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. For heavy clay, work in compost and consider planting on a slight mound to improve drainage. Sandy soils benefit from adding peat moss or compost to help retain moisture during establishment.

Watering Requirements

Water deeply twice a week during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, Golden Hinoki Cypress tolerates moderate drought but performs best with consistent moisture during hot, dry periods. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as this can cause needle browning and stress.

Pruning Tips

No regular pruning required thanks to the naturally compact, pyramidal growth habit. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter before new growth begins. If you want to control size, prune lightly in early summer after the spring flush, but avoid heavy shearing which destroys the plant's graceful form.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced slow-release evergreen fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins. A second light feeding in mid-summer helps maintain the golden color intensity. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers that push excessive soft growth vulnerable to winter damage.

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, Evergreen, Compact/Dwarf, Low Maintenance, Deer-resistant, Heat Tolerant, Drought resistant, Hedge/Screen, Container Friendly
Hardiness Zone	4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	8-10 ft
Width	5-8 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Growth Rate	Slow
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Brown, Green
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Arborvitae
Botanical Name	Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Crippsii'
Species	obtusa
Cultivar	Crippsii
Class	Pinopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Golden Hinoki False Cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Crippsii') transforms ordinary garden spaces into year-round showcases with foliage that glows like captured sunshine. This slow-growing Japanese evergreen, also called Cripps Golden Cypress, offers gardeners the rare combination of brilliant color, compact size, and four-season interest without the maintenance demands of many golden conifers.

Year-Round Golden Color

The fan-like sprays of scale-like foliage emerge bright gold in spring and intensify to rich, burnished gold through summer when given full sun. Unlike many golden conifers that fade to chartreuse by midsummer, 'Crippsii' holds its vibrant color straight through fall and winter. The foliage takes on subtle bronze undertones in cold weather, adding depth and richness to winter landscapes. This color consistency makes it invaluable for creating focal points that perform reliably through every season.

Perfect Scale for Residential Gardens

The slow growth rate (typically 3-6 inches per year) means this conifer fits comfortably in spaces where larger evergreens would quickly outgrow their spot. Over 15-20 years, expect a naturally pyramidal specimen 10-15 feet tall and 5-8 feet wide. The tiered branching creates an elegant, layered silhouette that looks refined without any pruning or shearing. This manageable size makes Golden Hinoki Cypress ideal for foundation plantings, mixed borders, and even large containers on patios.

Landscape Versatility

Use this evergreen as a bright accent against darker foliage to create dramatic contrast in mixed plantings. The golden color provides an excellent backdrop for flowering shrubs like hydrangeas or roses, making their blooms appear even more vibrant. Plant in groups of three or more for a stunning hedge that offers privacy with personality. In smaller gardens, a single specimen placed near an entryway or patio becomes an instant focal point that looks intentional and polished year-round.

Low-Maintenance Appeal

Once established, Golden Hinoki Cypress asks for little beyond occasional watering during drought. The naturally compact form means no shearing to maintain shape, and the dense branching habit prevents weeds underneath. Deer typically avoid browsing the aromatic foliage, making this conifer reliable in areas with heavy deer pressure. The slow growth that makes it perfect for tight spaces also means you'll spend years enjoying the plant instead of battling to keep it in bounds.

Golden Hinoki False Cypress brings the elegance of Japanese garden design into American landscapes without the fuss. Whether you're building a foundation planting, adding structure to a perennial border, or simply want a golden beacon that performs beautifully through every season, 'Crippsii' delivers consistent beauty with remarkably little effort.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil is best for planting Golden Hinoki False Cypress?

Golden Hinoki False Cypress thrives in well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil with consistent moisture. This Japanese evergreen adapts to various soil types but performs best when drainage prevents waterlogged roots. Amend heavy clay with compost and avoid overly wet locations for optimal growth.

Is Golden Hinoki False Cypress deer resistant?

Golden Hinoki False Cypress is generally deer resistant due to its aromatic evergreen foliage that deer typically avoid. The dense, scale-like leaves and natural oils make it an unappealing browse choice. For best protection, plant away from heavily trafficked deer paths and consider companion plantings of other deer-resistant species available at naturehills.com.

How do I care for Golden Hinoki False Cypress in winter?

Golden Hinoki False Cypress requires minimal winter care once established, as the foliage naturally develops attractive bronze undertones in cold weather. Avoid heavy snow accumulation on branches by gently brushing off wet snow to prevent breakage.

Will Golden Hinoki False Cypress maintain its golden color year-round?

Yes, Golden Hinoki False Cypress maintains its brilliant golden color through all four seasons, unlike many golden conifers that fade by midsummer. The foliage develops subtle bronze undertones in winter, adding depth while preserving the golden base. Plant in full sun for the most intense color retention.

Is Golden Hinoki False Cypress low maintenance?

Golden Hinoki False Cypress is exceptionally low maintenance, requiring no pruning or shearing to maintain its elegant pyramidal shape. Its slow 3-6 inch annual growth rate means minimal intervention once established. Simply provide well-draining soil and full sun for best golden color. Shop at Nature Hills for this reliable, four-season performer.

How are Golden Hinoki False Cypress shipped—bare root or potted?

Golden Hinoki False Cypress ships in containers, not bare root, since evergreens need their root systems protected. This slow-growing conifer establishes best when planted with its root ball intact. Plant any time during the growing season for best results.

Golden Hinoki False Cypress

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Crippsii'