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Proven Winners®

Cedar Rapids® False Cypress

Name: Cedar Rapids® False Cypress
Brand: Proven Winners
SKU: 23076E
Price: 26.49 USD
Availability: OutOfStock
Rating: 4.11 (9 reviews)

Chamaecyparis pisifera 'RutCham1' USPP 36,620

Fast-Growing Columnar Evergreen with Silvery-Bronze Winter Color that Outperforms Arborvitae
Thrives in Zones 5-9
Grows 30 ft Tall, 12-15 ft Wide
Evergreen Year-Round Color and Privacy
Ideal for Privacy Screen or Foundation Planting

$26⁴⁹

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Plant Size

Product variants

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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	Attracts pollinators, Cold hardy, Container Friendly, Deer-resistant, Evergreen, Fast-growing, Full Sun, Hedge/Screen, Low Maintenance, Non-invasive, Rabbit Resistant, Shade Tolerant
Hardiness Zone	4a to 8b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	30 ft
Width	12-15 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Growth Rate	Fast
Growth Habit	Spreading, Upright
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Brown, Green
Foliage Color	Green
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Arborvitae
Botanical Name	Chamaecyparis pisifera 'RutCham1' USPP 36,620
Species	pisifera
Cultivar	RutCham1
Class	Pinopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

For a fast-growing evergreen conifer that brings four-season interest, Proven Winners® Cedar Rapids® False Cypress (Chamaecyparis thyoides 'Cedar Rapids') delivers soaring vertical elegance, soft blue-green feathery foliage, and natural columnar form.

The aromatic, thread-like needles add a sense of movement and texture, while the upright branches and dense habit make it a valuable alternative to overused columnar Arborvitae or Juniper. Its finely textured, airy sprays provide year-round visual interest and shelter for birds and small wildlife.

Cedar Rapids® False Cypress boasts deep green foliage in summer, which may take on a silvery or bronze cast in winter. Its layered structure and vertical grace make it an ideal backdrop or specimen in any landscape.

Key Features

Fast-growing, narrow columnar evergreen
Feathery, soft, fragrant blue-green foliage
Year-round color with winter bronzing
Cold-hardy, heat-tolerant & deer-resistant
Great for wet sites, screens, and vertical accents

Cultural History & Fun Facts

Native to North American wetlands and swamps, False Cypress (Chamaecyparis thyoides) has long been valued for its fragrant wood and rot-resistant timber. While not a true Cypress, it belongs to the Cupressaceae family. Cedar Rapids® is a cultivated variety selected for its improved vigor, columnar habit, and ornamental foliage color.

This tree has no known medicinal history but serves a valuable ecological role. In its native range, it provides cover for birds, including warblers and other songbirds. In modern landscapes, it is appreciated for its minimal pruning needs, pest resistance, and elegant structure.

Landscaping Uses

This low-maintenance, cold-hardy, heat-tolerant, deer-resistant evergreen is a favorite for privacy screens, foundation planting, and windbreaks. Cedar Rapids® False Cypress brings bold vertical texture and rich evergreen color to any landscape design:

Privacy screens and windbreaks
Vertical accents in foundation plantings
Backgrounds for perennial or Rose gardens
Focal points in conifer gardens
Rain gardens or moist soil areas
Year-round hedging with little pruning required

Pair it with Deer-resistant annuals, Hostas, Hydrangea bushes, or Karl Foerster grass for soft contrast in foliage and form.

Care & Maintenance

Thriving in full sun and moist, well-drained soils, this native selection grows quickly, topping out at up to 30 feet tall and just 12-15 feet wide. False Cypress is easy to grow with a few key needs:

Planting Time: Spring or fall planting is best to establish roots before extreme heat or cold
Sun Requirements: Full sun for best density, color, and vigor
Soil Requirements: Prefers slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils; tolerates wet soils once established; avoid prolonged drought or dry sandy soils
Moisture Needs: Keep evenly moist while establishing; use the Finger Test to check soil moisture
Arborist Mulch: Apply a 3-4 inch layer of arborist mulch around the root zone, keeping it a few inches from the trunk
Fertilization Needs: Feed in early spring with a slow-release evergreen fertilizer or composted organic matter
Pruning Info: Rarely needs pruning; shape or lightly shear in early spring if desired, but avoid cutting into old wood
Renewal Pruning: Not needed due to its naturally tidy habit
Special Perks/Growing Tips:
- Deer-resistant
- Tolerant of urban pollution
- Thrives in high humidity and poorly drained soils
- No known pest or disease issues
- Excellent for soggy sites where other evergreens struggle

Evergreen Elegance That Reaches For The Sky

Cedar Rapids® False Cypress brings fast-growing evergreen height, texture, and refined beauty to any landscape. With its low-maintenance care and towering form, it's the perfect choice for privacy, style, and resilience in tough garden spots. Order your Proven Winners® Cedar Rapids® False Cypress and start enjoying vertical greenery and year-round beauty from NatureHills.com!

This product has no reviews of its own. The merchant grouped it with related products, so the reviews shown are from across that group.

I received the wrong plant and when I requested correction or refund no one responded

I received the wrong plant and when I requested correction or refund no one responded. Bad experience.

Looks good.

Looks good.

Hi,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback! We’re delighted to hear that your new plants look good—seeing your garden thrive is what we love most. If you have any questions or need tips on care to help your plants flourish even more, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Looks good.

Looks good.

Hi,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback with us. We’re delighted to hear that your order 'looks good'! If you have any questions or need tips on planting and caring for your new addition, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help ensure your garden thrives beautifully.

Happy gardening!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Bright color

Soft Serve really stand out in my short hedge with its bright green color. I think it even makes my grass look darker and softer.

Hi Dawn,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the Soft Serve® False Cypress! We’re delighted to hear that its bright green color is making such a lovely impact in your short hedge—and that it’s even enhancing the look of your grass. This variety really does bring a fresh and vibrant touch to any garden space.

If you’re looking to keep that beautiful color vivid year-round, consider making sure it has well-draining soil and receives some regular watering during dry spells. Soft Serve® can be a standout performer with just a little extra care. Feel free to reach out if you want tips on pruning or seasonal care to keep your hedge looking its best!

Thanks again for your wonderful feedback, Dawn. We’re cheering you on as you continue to cultivate your garden!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Container plant

I put my Soft Serve in a container and it is doing great. I love to touch the plant when I go near it, it is named appropriately.

Hello Mentor,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your Soft Serve® False Cypress! We love hearing that your container plant is thriving and that you enjoy its unique texture—it's truly one of those plants that invites a gentle touch. Containers are a fantastic choice for this evergreen, allowing flexibility and control over soil and drainage, which can really help it flourish. If you ever want to enhance its growth, ensuring the container has good drainage and offering occasional deep watering during dry spells can do wonders.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like tips on fertilizing or seasonal care to keep that Soft Serve happy and healthy. Your kind words brighten our day!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Container plant

I put my Soft Serve in a container and it is doing great. I love to touch the plant when I go near it, it is named appropriately.

Hello Mentor,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your Soft Serve® False Cypress! We're delighted to hear that it's thriving in your container and that you enjoy its unique, touchable texture — the name truly does fit perfectly. Container planting is a great choice for this variety, and to keep it happy, just make sure it gets plenty of bright, indirect light and proper drainage to prevent root rot. If you ever want to explore companion plants or seasonal care tips, feel free to reach out or visit our blog for more ideas.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Bright color

Soft Serve really stand out in my short hedge with its bright green color. I think it even makes my grass look darker and softer.

Hello Dawn,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your Soft Serve® False Cypress! We're delighted to hear that its bright green color brings such a vibrant touch to your short hedge and even makes your grass seem richer and softer. It's always exciting to see how plants can enhance existing landscapes, creating that perfect balance of color and texture.

If you're interested in keeping your Soft Serve® looking its best as it continues to grow, make sure to provide it with well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade, as it thrives in these conditions. Regular, moderate watering will help maintain that bright hue you love, especially during drier spells. You might also consider sprinkling a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring to support healthy growth throughout the season.

We're thrilled Soft Serve® is shining so beautifully in your garden. Feel free to reach out with any questions or for more tips — we're always happy to help your yard flourish.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Soft

The Soft Serve False Cypress is perfectly named. Foliage is so soft!

Hi Couch Potato,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the Soft Serve® False Cypress! We’re thrilled to hear that the foliage lives up to its lovely name with such softness—it’s one of the charming qualities that makes this plant such a favorite among gardeners. If you’re looking for tips on care or companion planting to keep your False Cypress thriving and even more beautiful, we’re here to help—just let us know!

Happy gardening, and enjoy that gorgeous, velvety texture in your landscape.

Growing with you,
Nature Hills Nursery – Your Trusted Plant Specialists

Soft

The Soft Serve False Cypress is perfectly named. Foliage is so soft!

Hello Couch,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with the Soft Serve® False Cypress! We’re delighted to hear that its foliage lives up to its name by feeling so soft—it’s truly one of nature’s little wonders, and we’re thrilled it’s giving your garden that lovely texture.

If you ever want tips on care or ideas for pairing it with other plants to highlight its unique qualities, feel free to reach out. Remember, this False Cypress enjoys well-drained soil and a spot where it receives some sunlight for the best growth.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones is Cedar Rapids® False Cypress suitable for?

Cedar Rapids® False Cypress thrives in USDA zones 4-8, handling both cold winters and hot summers with ease. This cold-hardy, heat-tolerant evergreen performs well across a wide climate range. Plant it in full sun to partial shade for best growth and foliage color.

How tall and wide will Cedar Rapids® False Cypress grow at maturity?

Cedar Rapids® False Cypress typically reaches 15-20 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide at maturity. This narrow, columnar evergreen maintains its upright form naturally with minimal pruning needed. Plan for 6-8 feet spacing when planting multiples for screens, available at naturehills.com.

Does Cedar Rapids® False Cypress prefer full sun, partial shade, or full shade?

Cedar Rapids® False Cypress thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. This adaptable evergreen performs best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and foliage color. Plant in a location with morning sun and some afternoon protection in hotter climates.

How often should I water Cedar Rapids® False Cypress after planting?

Water deeply 2-3 times per week for the first growing season, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings. Cedar Rapids® False Cypress tolerates wet sites once established but needs consistent moisture initially. Reduce frequency after year one.

Does Cedar Rapids® False Cypress produce flowers and if so, what color are they?

Cedar Rapids® False Cypress produces tiny, inconspicuous flowers that are not ornamentally significant. This evergreen is grown for its beautiful blue-green foliage and columnar form rather than showy blooms. Focus on its year-round foliage interest when planning your landscape design with this specimen available at naturehills.com.

Is Cedar Rapids® False Cypress deer resistant?

Yes, Cedar Rapids® False Cypress is deer resistant. This cold-hardy evergreen combines natural deer resistance with heat tolerance and pest resistance, making it exceptionally low-maintenance. Use it confidently in areas where deer browsing is a concern.

How is Cedar Rapids® False Cypress shipped and will it arrive healthy?

Cedar Rapids® False Cypress ships as a robust, container-grown plant with an established root system for optimal transplant success. The dense, fibrous root structure typical of this cultivar ensures excellent survival rates during shipping and planting. Plant immediately upon arrival and water thoroughly to establish this fast-growing evergreen in your landscape.

What plants pair well with Cedar Rapids® False Cypress in a landscape design?

Cedar Rapids® False Cypress pairs beautifully with lower-growing shrubs and perennials that complement its columnar form. Try planting it behind colorful shrubs like Spirea or Hydrangea, or use ornamental grasses at its base for textural contrast. Its narrow profile works well in mixed borders where it provides vertical structure without overwhelming companion plants.

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Cedar Rapids® False Cypress

Chamaecyparis pisifera 'RutCham1' USPP 36,620

Other Arborvitae varieties

Key Features

Cultural History & Fun Facts

Landscaping Uses

Care & Maintenance

Evergreen Elegance That Reaches For The Sky

Where to Plant

Watering Requirements

Pruning Tips

Fertilizer Needs

Shipping Rates

Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones is Cedar Rapids® False Cypress suitable for?

How tall and wide will Cedar Rapids® False Cypress grow at maturity?

Does Cedar Rapids® False Cypress prefer full sun, partial shade, or full shade?

How often should I water Cedar Rapids® False Cypress after planting?

Does Cedar Rapids® False Cypress produce flowers and if so, what color are they?

Is Cedar Rapids® False Cypress deer resistant?

How is Cedar Rapids® False Cypress shipped and will it arrive healthy?

What plants pair well with Cedar Rapids® False Cypress in a landscape design?

Choose options

Cedar Rapids® False Cypress

Chamaecyparis pisifera 'RutCham1' USPP 36,620

Other Arborvitae varieties

Specifications

Description

Key Features

Cultural History & Fun Facts

Landscaping Uses

Care & Maintenance

Evergreen Elegance That Reaches For The Sky

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Watering Requirements

Pruning Tips

Fertilizer Needs

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Find on Page

Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones is Cedar Rapids® False Cypress suitable for?

How tall and wide will Cedar Rapids® False Cypress grow at maturity?

Does Cedar Rapids® False Cypress prefer full sun, partial shade, or full shade?

How often should I water Cedar Rapids® False Cypress after planting?

Does Cedar Rapids® False Cypress produce flowers and if so, what color are they?

Is Cedar Rapids® False Cypress deer resistant?

How is Cedar Rapids® False Cypress shipped and will it arrive healthy?

What plants pair well with Cedar Rapids® False Cypress in a landscape design?