Photo courtesy of Proven Winners - www.provenwinners.com

Proven Winners®

Soft Serve® Gold False Cypress

Name: Soft Serve® Gold False Cypress
Brand: Proven Winners
SKU: 23079E
Price: 26.49 USD
Availability: OutOfStock
Rating: 4.71 (7 reviews)

Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Soft Serve Gold'

Soft Serve® Gold False Cypress Delivers Year-Round Yellow-Green Feathery Foliage in a Charming Columnar Form
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-8
Grows 8-10 ft Tall, 6-8 ft Wide
Evergreen Year-Round Color and Privacy
Perfect 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
Hardiness Zone	4a to 8b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	8-10 ft
Width	6-8 ft
Growth Rate	Moderate
Watering Needs	Moderate
Landscape Use	Hedge & Privacy, Foundation, Rock Garden, Border
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Brown, Green
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Compact/Dwarf, Evergreen, Deer-resistant, Hedge/Screen, Heat Tolerant, Drought resistant, Container Friendly, Non-invasive
Botanical Name	Chamaecyparis pisifera 'FARROWCGMS'
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

The Soft Serve® Gold False Cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Soft Serve Gold') adds a delectable touch to your landscape and is as sweet and easy as a summer ice-cream cone! False Cypress, in general, are one of those plants that should be in your garden in some form or another - and there are many forms!

A Proven Winners® offering, the Soft Serve® Gold has feathery yellow-green foliage that stands out all year in the garden. The soft needles grow in graceful whorls all along the stems creating a "soft-serve ice cream" look.

They have a cute chunky columnar habit that will fit into just about any garden, big, small, or other. They are very useful in any setting, from contemporary to cottage to country.

This is an evergreen so it looks great year-round! Summer heat or winter cold, neither faze Soft Serve® Gold, growing throughout USDA planting zones 4 to 8! These pyramidal shrubs grow 8 - 10 feet in height and spread just 6 - 8 feet wide at the base.

Landscape Application:

Use Soft Serve® Gold as a fun border plant or punch up a tired foundation planting; one will soften and accent the corner of your home beautifully! They add instant interest wherever you plant them. They are soft - both to look at and to touch. They complement just about any other plant in your garden, too.

Like its greener sibling, the Soft Serve® Gold is a beautiful plant that adds visual vertical interest and pleasing shape to the landscape. Soft Serve® Gold is extremely low-maintenance and is a great alternative to more fickle Alberta Spruce.

Need a show-stopping hedge? Plant these 3 feet apart on center (measuring from the center trunk of one to the next). Consider using this plant to create a solid screen to block unwanted views. For a head start on a hedge, be sure to buy the largest plant size we have on hand.

Plant this small tree in a large decorative container and you'll gain year-round appeal and years of enjoyment! Use two containers for a sentinel display at your front door.

Golden Green Fern-Like Branches
Compact Conical Conifer
Year-Round Visual Interest
Graceful, Soft Ornamental Form
Great Specimens, Ideal For Hedges & Perfect Container Plant

#ProPlantTips for Care:

This is an evergreen so it looks great year-round. Summer heat or winter cold, neither faze Soft Serve® Gold. Select your location so it has protection from harsh winter sun and winds. Soft Serve Cypress is a good plant for cooler coastal ranges and eastern slopes in the hotter, dryer climates. Watch the water in the summer and grow this plant on the moist side.

This compact selection requires little or no pruning, but minimal pruning can be done in summer if desired to maintain it as a hedge.

Soft Serve® is extremely adaptable but prefers moist, well-drained soils with a pH of 5.5 to 6. Prepare your location with an acid planting mix if the pH is high. Amend your planting soil with about 25% Dr. Earths Acid Lovers Planting Mix and fertilize 4 times a year with Dr. Earths Acid Lovers Organic and Natural Acid Fertilizer to maintain lower pH.

Once it's planted, water it in very well, then place mulch to a depth of 3 to 4 inches. Spread the mulch out in a circle 3 feet around the trunk to keep roots cool and to cut down on surface moisture evaporation. Please, don't let the mulch touch the trunk itself!

Live in a deer area? Soft Serve® is known to be deer-resistant, however, it's always best to spray Deer Repellent the day you plant anything in "deer country".

Full Sun
Moderate Moisture Needs & Any Well-Drained Soil Location
Prune In Summer - Minimal Pruning Needed Due To Methodical Slower Growth
Low Maintenance & Deer Resistant
Salt Tolerant for Roadside Use

Graceful and colorful, the Soft Serve® Gold False Cypress is a 'don't miss' addition to your garden this year! Order soon at NatureHills.com because these unique beauties are sure to sell out!

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

It came in great shape

It came in great shape andl
Besutiful

Glad the Golden Mop arrived in good shape, Marjorie. These evergreens really do have a presence in the garden with that soft, golden threadleaf texture. Give it a spot with good sun and it will only get more vibrant over time. Thanks for sharing!

Living in Western NY State, this false cypress is also 'deer resistant'.

Living in Western NY State, let me say this false cypress, besides being a generally all around hardy planting, it's also 'deer resistant."

Dear Merc S.,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the Golden Mop False Cypress! We're delighted to hear that this resilient plant is performing well for you in western New York—and that it's providing the extra benefit of deer resistance. It’s always wonderful to know which plants thrive and stand strong in specific regions, and your insight will surely help fellow gardeners make informed choices.

If you’re interested in extending your garden’s defense against deer, we have a variety of other deer-resistant options and gardening tips tailored for the Northeast that we’d be happy to share with you. Feel free to reach out anytime for recommendations or care advice.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Living in Western NY State, this false cypress is also 'deer resistant'.

Living in Western NY State, let me say this false cypress, besides being a generally all around hardy planting, it's also 'deer resistant."

Dear Merc S.,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the Golden Mop False Cypress! We're delighted to hear that this plant is thriving in Western NY and proving to be not only hardy but also deer resistant—a quality many gardeners appreciate in areas where deer can pose a challenge. Your insights will definitely help fellow plant lovers make informed choices based on regional suitability and deer resistance.

If you’re interested in extending your plant palette with other deer-resistant or hardy options for your area, we’re always here to offer recommendations! Don’t hesitate to reach out or explore our plant resources; selecting companions carefully can create a beautiful, resilient garden sanctuary.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Evergreen

Not too many weeping type evergreens this small are available in planting zone 5. The Golden Mop False Cypress is a new plant for me and I really like it so far. It is different.

Dear Jenni,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the Golden Mop False Cypress! We’re delighted to hear that this unique, petite evergreen is a great fit for your Zone 5 garden. It’s true—finding small, weeping evergreens suitable for your zone can be challenging, and the Golden Mop False Cypress does bring a distinct charm with its vibrant color and texture.

If you haven’t already, we recommend planting it in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade to maintain that rich golden hue. Also, occasional light pruning will help preserve its natural form as it grows. Should you ever have questions about care tips or want to explore companion plants that flourish alongside it, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thanks again for choosing Nature Hills and for your thoughtful review—we’re excited to see your garden flourish with your new addition!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Evergreen

Not too many weeping type evergreens this small are available in planting zone 5. The Golden Mop False Cypress is a new plant for me and I really like it so far. It is different.

Dear Jenni,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the Golden Mop False Cypress! We’re delighted to hear that this unique weeping evergreen is a great addition to your Zone 5 garden. It’s true that plants with such graceful, compact shapes can be hard to find for cooler climates, so finding something new—and enjoyable—is always exciting.

As you continue to care for your Golden Mop, remember it prefers full sun and well-drained soil, and watering consistently during dry spells helps maintain its vibrant golden color. If you need more seasonal tips or ideas to complement your new plant, we have detailed guides and a community of fellow gardeners on our website happy to inspire you.

Thanks again for choosing Nature Hills and taking a chance on a beautiful new addition! We’re rooting for your greenery’s ongoing success.

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

Great

This is a great shrub and looks wonderful in my yard!

Hi TY,

Thank you so much for sharing your positive experience with your Golden Mop False Cypress! We're delighted to hear that it’s thriving and adds such beauty to your yard. These shrubs can really brighten a space with their vibrant color and textured foliage.

If you ever have any questions about care—like watering schedules, pruning tips, or ways to help it stay healthy through seasonal changes—we’re always here to help. You might also find our plant care guides on NatureHills.com helpful for getting the most out of your shrubs.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Great

This is a great shrub and looks wonderful in my yard!

Hi Ty,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the Golden Mop False Cypress! We're thrilled to hear that the shrub is looking wonderful in your yard. It’s such a unique and graceful evergreen, and it sounds like it’s truly enhancing your outdoor space.

If you ever want some tips on caring for your Golden Mop—for example, watering best practices or winter protection—please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always happy to provide tailored advice to help your plants thrive.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Frequently Asked Questions

How much sun does Soft Serve® Gold False Cypress need – full sun, part sun, or shade?

Soft Serve® Gold False Cypress thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. This adaptable evergreen performs best with at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily to maintain its vibrant yellow-green foliage color. Plant in a location with morning sun and some afternoon protection in zones 7-8 for optimal growth.

How often should I water Soft Serve® Gold False Cypress, and does it tolerate drought?

Water Soft Serve® Gold False Cypress weekly during its first year, then reduce to biweekly watering once established. This hardy evergreen tolerates drought well in zones 4-8 after the root system matures. Check soil moisture 2 inches down and water deeply when dry - find quality plants at naturehills.com.

Does Soft Serve® Gold False Cypress need fertilizer, and what kind?

Soft Serve® Gold False Cypress rarely needs fertilizer once established, as it's extremely low-maintenance. If your soil is poor, apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers that can cause excessive growth and reduce the plant's natural hardiness.

When and how should I prune Soft Serve® Gold False Cypress?

Soft Serve® Gold False Cypress requires minimal pruning due to its naturally attractive pyramidal shape. Light pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Simply remove any dead, damaged, or wayward branches to maintain the columnar form. Avoid heavy pruning as it can damage the plant's natural growth pattern.

How is Soft Serve® Gold False Cypress shipped, and what size are the plants upon arrival?

Soft Serve® Gold False Cypress ships as established nursery plants in containers, with sizes varying by current availability at Nature Hills. These hardy evergreens arrive ready to plant in zones 4-8 and will mature to 8-10 feet tall. Choose the largest available size for faster hedge establishment when planting 3 feet apart.

Is Soft Serve® Gold False Cypress a slow grower, and how long until it reaches maturity?

Soft Serve® Gold False Cypress is a moderate grower that typically reaches its mature size of 8-10 feet tall in 10-15 years. This evergreen maintains attractive form throughout zones 4-8 without frequent pruning. For faster hedge establishment, plant the largest available size and space 3 feet apart.

How do I check my zone shipping availability for Soft Serve® Gold False Cypress before buying?

Soft Serve® Gold False Cypress thrives in USDA zones 4-8. Check your planting zone on the USDA Hardiness Zone Map, then verify shipping availability in your cart during checkout.

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

Soft Serve® Gold False Cypress

Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Soft Serve Gold'

Other Arborvitae varieties

Landscape Application:

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Where to Plant

Watering Requirements

Pruning Tips

Fertilizer Needs

Shipping Rates

Frequently Asked Questions

How much sun does Soft Serve® Gold False Cypress need – full sun, part sun, or shade?

How often should I water Soft Serve® Gold False Cypress, and does it tolerate drought?

Does Soft Serve® Gold False Cypress need fertilizer, and what kind?

When and how should I prune Soft Serve® Gold False Cypress?

How is Soft Serve® Gold False Cypress shipped, and what size are the plants upon arrival?

Is Soft Serve® Gold False Cypress a slow grower, and how long until it reaches maturity?

How do I check my zone shipping availability for Soft Serve® Gold False Cypress before buying?

Choose options

Soft Serve® Gold False Cypress

Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Soft Serve Gold'

Other Arborvitae varieties

Specifications

Description

Landscape Application:

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Watering Requirements

Pruning Tips

Fertilizer Needs

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Find on Page

Frequently Asked Questions

How much sun does Soft Serve® Gold False Cypress need – full sun, part sun, or shade?

How often should I water Soft Serve® Gold False Cypress, and does it tolerate drought?

Does Soft Serve® Gold False Cypress need fertilizer, and what kind?

When and how should I prune Soft Serve® Gold False Cypress?

How is Soft Serve® Gold False Cypress shipped, and what size are the plants upon arrival?

Is Soft Serve® Gold False Cypress a slow grower, and how long until it reaches maturity?

How do I check my zone shipping availability for Soft Serve® Gold False Cypress before buying?