False Cypress Bushes

The False Cypress family (Chamaecyparis) is a group of gorgeous evergreen conifers grown for their finely dissected foliage that appears as scale-like flat needles (much like some Junipers and Arborvitae), which adds year-round color and soft texture to the landscape.

The family contains myriad plant sizes, foliage colors, and foliage appearances that bring their ornamental beauty to your garden. Available both in tree and shrub forms, the shapes range from pyramidal to round.

Native to Japan, Taiwan, and parts of the U.S., 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 extend from bluish-gray to several shades of green to gold. Some False Cypress shrubs also have a delightful aroma to their foliage!

False Cypress bushes are widely used in rock gardens, as accents, specimens, borders, hedges, and in groupings.

Choosing The Right False Cypress For You!

Browse only for the False Cypress for your Planting Zone using our USDA zone filters, choose sun exposure levels, or narrow the options further by size.

Here are some of NatureHills.com’s highest-rated False Cypress for you to choose from!

Soft Serve® False Cypress - A fluffy, mid-sized pyramid with bright green foliage touched with silver-blue. Reaches 6-10 feet tall. Or check out the golden form here, too!
Golden Mop False Cypress - A cheerful golden shrub with cascading, threadlike foliage. Compact at 2-3 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide.
Cream Ball False Cypress - A neat, rounded ball with green foliage tipped in creamy blonde, perfect for small-space landscapes.
Fernspray False Cypress - Features outward-arching, fernlike sprays. Grows 8-12 feet tall but stays slender at 3-4 feet wide. This variety also has a gorgeous gold form you can check out here!

What is the Difference Between Cypress and False Cypress?

True Cypresses are cold-climate evergreen conifers in the family Cupressaceae, and False Cypress differs from Cypresses by having smaller, rounded cones with fewer seeds.

Another major difference is that False Cypress branches form rounded, fan-like sprays and can even appear scalloped.

Caring For False Cypress

Considered quite hardy and generally disease and pest-resistant. Prune in late spring to early summer and make sure not to prune into old wood.

Get your new False Cypress off on the right foot with these simple tips, planting advice in our #ProPlantTips, and don't forget to plant yours with the symbiotic support of Nature Hills Root Booster!

Many of the Chamaecyparis family tolerate some afternoon shade but do best in full sun
These Evergreens do best in well-drained soil that is slightly acidic
Create raised gardens or berms if you have poor drainage
Provide a 3-4 inch deep layer of mulch over the root system
Check out the Plant Description for pruning and other care requirements
Water new plants regularly using the Finger Test to help them get established and continue watering during heat and drought
Prune lightly in the spring after the first flush of growth

Generally speaking, False Cypress is easy to grow and does not require great amounts of care!

What is the Lifespan of False Cypress?

Growing 50-100 years in optimal conditions, wild trees and shrubs in their native habitat can live up to 200 years.

Will False Cypress Grow Back After A Hard Pruning?

Like many Conifers, False Cypress won’t grow back on old wood once the stems have been cut, so a light hand is needed when pruning. Only trim if necessary, removing dead branching, crossing branches, and minimal shaping

Why Order False Cypress From NatureHills.com?

Family-owned and operated since 2001, Nature Hills Nursery prides itself on meeting the needs of customers with an ever-growing collection of online plants backed by our product guarantee.

All of our False Cypress are delivered safely to your home with instructions for planting, care, and storage, so you can order knowing you'll have exactly what you need! Plus plenty more information in our #ProPlantTips Garden Blog for extra support and inspiration!

FAQ's for Buying False Cypress Bushes Online

What Are the Best Uses for False Cypress in the Landscape?

False Cypress are versatile evergreens perfect for privacy hedges, foundation plantings, and focal points. Popular in rock gardens and as specimens or border accents, their unique foliage texture and varied colors—from gold to blue to green—make them a standout choice for year-round interest.

How Do I Choose the Right False Cypress Variety for My Yard?

Choosing the best False Cypress depends on your USDA growing zone, available space, and sunlight. For small gardens, try Golden Mop or Cream Ball. For upright structure, Soft Serve® or Fernspray False Cypress offer vertical elegance. Use filters on NatureHills.com to shop by zone, sun exposure, or mature size.

Is False Cypress Easy to Care For?

Yes, False Cypress is low-maintenance and pest-resistant once established. They prefer full sun to partial shade and slightly acidic, well-drained soil. Water regularly when newly planted and apply mulch to retain moisture. Prune lightly after spring growth and avoid cutting into old wood to maintain a healthy form.

How Long Do False Cypress Trees Live?

False Cypress trees and shrubs can live between 50 and 100 years in home landscapes with proper care. In their native habitat, these elegant evergreens have been known to live up to 200 years, making them a long-lasting legacy in your garden.

What Is the Difference Between Cypress and False Cypress?

True Cypress trees belong to the Cupressus genus, while False Cypress are part of the Chamaecyparis genus. False Cypress have smaller, rounded cones and fan-shaped sprays of soft foliage, often scalloped. They're a favorite for ornamental use due to their finely textured and colorful evergreen needles.