Compact Hinoki False Cypress

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Compacta'

Nature Hills Nursery

Soft, Shell-Like Foliage Sprays Add Year-Round Textural Interest to Any Landscape Design
Thrives in Zones 5-8
Grows 8-12 ft Tall, 6-8 ft Wide
Evergreen Year-Round Color and Privacy
Perfect for Specimen in Rock Gardens

$132³⁷

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Plant Size

#3 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Aim for full sun (6 or more hours) for the tightest growth habit. In hot climates, providing afternoon shade protects the delicate fan shaped foliage from browning or scorching during the peak summer heat.
Soil: These evergreens prefer moist, well drained soil that is slightly acidic. If you have heavy clay, mix in compost or plant in a raised mound to ensure the roots do not sit in stagnant water which can cause root rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first year, water deeply once a week or more often during heat waves to help the roots settle into their new home. Once established, this cypress is moderately drought tolerant, but inconsistent moisture can lead to thinning foliage or a loss of that vibrant green color. Think of the soil like a wrung out sponge; it should feel damp to the touch but never muddy.

Pruning Tips

This slow growing conifer rarely needs pruning because it naturally maintains a tidy, tiered shape. If you must trim for size, do so in early spring before new growth begins and only cut into the green leafy sections. Never cut back into the old brown wood because these branches lack dormant buds and will not grow back, leaving a permanent hole in the plant.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer designed for evergreens in early spring as the ground thaws. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer or fall because this encourages tender new growth that cannot harden off before the first frost. This soft growth is easily damaged by winter winds and freezing temperatures.

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	Attracts pollinators, Cold hardy, Container Friendly, Deer-resistant, Evergreen, Full Sun, Hedge/Screen, Low Maintenance, Non-invasive, Rabbit Resistant, Shade Tolerant
Hardiness Zone	4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	8-12 ft
Width	6-8 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Peaty, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Spreading, Upright
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Brown, Green
Foliage Color	Green
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Arborvitae
Botanical Name	Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Compacta'
Species	obtusa
Cultivar	Compacta
Class	Pinopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Garden designers count on interesting plants like Compact Hinoki Cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Compacta') to ground their design with a beautiful sense of year-round structure and color. This enchanting selection provides a big boost of visual interest!

You'll be able to study the shell-like, cupped sprays of rich green foliage. Landscapes throughout USDA planting zones 5-8, the Compact Hinoki False Cypress is touchably soft and highly ornamental!

Allow enough room for them to reach their full height and width listed on our Plant Highlight. You'd hate to have to trim the pretty, ruffled foliage to fit into a space that is too small. Growing 8 - 12 feet tall and just 6 - 8 feet wide at the base, these pyramidal shrubs and their fanciful textured growth remains lush all the way to the ground.

Landscape Application:

This long-lived, compact selection can be grown in the ground, or kept in containers on your deck or balcony. Place it somewhere that makes it easy for you to enjoy the unique foliage and form up close and personal! This long-lived, compact selection can be grown in the ground, or kept in containers on your deck or balcony.

Collectors love this special choice. It's easy to tuck into a corner of your landscape, soften the corner of your home, or use it at a point of transition in your garden path. A pair of sentries on either side of the start to your garden path or as you approach your front entry becomes an enchanting portal!

Whether you choose just one as a subtle focal point, or create a feature with several plantings in a curved row, the Compact Hinoki Cypress will never disappoint! Include this plant in low-maintenance landscapes as part of a blissfully relaxing outdoor space!

Keep an easy chair nearby. You'll enjoy plenty of Zen moments studying the intricate way the light strikes the surface.

Sprays of Ruffled, Cupped Foliage
Maintains Deep Green Color Through Winter
Shell-Shaped Foliage Stays Dense to the Ground
Personable, Compact Selection
Perfect Modern Accent Shrub

#ProPlantTips for Care:

False Cypress do best in full sun for the best color and need well-drained soil locations that are slightly acidic. These evergreens also do best with regular moisture access and a mulched garden bed. With proper planning, you may never need to prune this dynamic shrub at all. Give yours a trim in the spring if needed, and remove any winter dieback.

Full Sun
Moderate Moisture Needs & Any Well-Drained Soil Location
Prune In Spring
Low Maintenance
Deer Resistant

This Japanese native brings the best of Asian sensibilities to a comfortable modern ethic. Place your order for Compact Hinoki False Cypress from the evergreen experts at Nature Hills today!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mature height and width of Compact Hinoki False Cypress?

The Compact Hinoki False Cypress reaches 8-12 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide at maturity with a pyramidal form. This slow-growing evergreen maintains its dense, ruffled foliage all the way to the ground in zones 5-8. Plan your spacing accordingly to avoid having to prune its distinctive shell-like sprays.

Does Compact Hinoki False Cypress grow well in full sun or partial shade?

Compact Hinoki False Cypress thrives in both full sun and partial shade conditions across zones 5-8. This adaptable evergreen maintains its rich green color and dense, shell-like foliage in either light setting. For best results, provide morning sun with some afternoon protection in hotter climates.

How much water does Compact Hinoki False Cypress require after planting?

Newly planted Compact Hinoki False Cypress needs consistent moisture for the first year while establishing roots. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically 1-2 times per week. Once established in zones 5-8, this drought-tolerant evergreen requires minimal supplemental watering.

What are the shipping costs for Compact Hinoki False Cypress plants?

Shipping costs for Compact Hinoki False Cypress vary by plant size and your location. These 8-12 foot specimens require careful packaging due to their delicate, shell-like foliage. Check the shipping calculator at checkout for exact costs to your zone 5-8 area.

Is there a warranty or guarantee if my Compact Hinoki False Cypress arrives damaged?

Nature Hills stands behind all plant shipments with damage protection during transit. Their customer service team will replace or refund any Compact Hinoki False Cypress that arrives in poor condition. Contact them immediately upon delivery with photos for fastest resolution when you shop at Nature Hills.

How long does it take for Compact Hinoki False Cypress to reach maturity?

Compact Hinoki False Cypress typically takes 10-15 years to reach its mature size of 8-12 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide. This slow, steady growth habit makes it perfect for long-term landscape planning. Give it adequate space from the start to avoid trimming its beautiful ruffled foliage.

Can Compact Hinoki False Cypress handle harsh winter winds or cold temperatures?

Compact Hinoki False Cypress thrives in USDA zones 5-8 and maintains its deep green color through winter. Its dense, shell-like foliage stays lush to the ground even in cold conditions. Plant in a protected spot if you experience severe winter winds.

Compact Hinoki False Cypress

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Compacta'