The False Cypress shrub family (Chamaecyparis) contains myriad plant sizes, foliage colors, and foliage appearances. False Cypress bushes are widely used in rock gardens, as accents, specimens, borders, hedges, and in groupings. Generally speaking, they are easy to grow and do not require great amounts of care.
False cypress plants attract the senses with graceful and unique foliage. They can seem to blend into a landscape and become a focal point all at the same time. The many colors of this plant species extends from bluish gray, several shades of green, to gold. Some false cypress shrubs also have delightful fragrances.
Many plants in this Chamaecyparis family will tolerate some shade. Japan seems to be the consensus origin of these evergreen plants, which are considered quite hardy and generally disease- and pest-resistant. For best results grow in neutral to slightly acidic, well drained soils. Prune in late spring to early summer and make sure not to prune into old wood.