Golden Mop False Cypress

Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Golden Mop'

Nature Hills Nursery

Brightest Gold Mop Cypress with Finer Foliage than Parent Cultivar 'Filifera Aurea'
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 3-5
Grows 5 ft Tall and Wide
Evergreen Year-Round Color and Privacy
Perfect for Hedge or Foundation Planting

$31¹³

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Plant Size

#1 Container #2 Container #3 Container

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This evergreen needs at least 6 hours of full sun to maintain its signature glowing yellow color. While it can grow in partial shade, the foliage will often fade to a dull lime green and the growth habit may become less dense.
Soil: It thrives in moist, well drained soil that mimics a forest floor. If you have heavy clay, mix in some organic compost to improve drainage, or plant it in a slightly raised mound to prevent the roots from sitting in soggy soil.

Watering Requirements

During the first year, water your Golden Mop deeply twice a week to help the root system move into the surrounding soil. Once the plant is established, it is remarkably drought tolerant, though a long dry spell without supplemental water can cause the interior needles to brown and drop prematurely. Aim for consistent moisture at the base of the plant to keep the foliage vibrant and plush.

Pruning Tips

Since this shrub grows slowly and naturally keeps a neat, mounded shape, pruning is rarely necessary. If you need to tidy it up, do so in early spring before new growth begins, as it produces new foliage on old wood. Think of it like a light haircut; only trim the soft outer tips and avoid cutting back into the leafless woody interior, which will not regrow.

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, as this can force tender new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost, leading to winter tip burn.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

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.

Dwarf Golden Mop False Cypress has Outstanding Color

If you want an easy care plant that brings a big visual impact, you'll adore Golden Mop False Cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Golden Mop'). This dwarf evergreen shrub features outstanding yellow landscape color.

This is a slow-growing dwarf evergreen shrub with a lot of personality. From fluffy, fine-textured golden foliage - to lemony yellow brand-new growth, you'll be entranced by its good looks.

The long, narrow, bowing stems give Golden Mop False Cypress a delightfully fuzzy appearance, adding to its charm. This plant may appear a bit soft and delicate, as the fine-needled foliage gently bounces and sways in the breeze.

A gently weeping habit might fool you into thinking you'll have to baby it. Not true! This is a tough shrub that can handle extreme cold. The golden yellow foliage will hold true throughout the seasons so you can enjoy the bright color in your landscape year-round.

For outstanding color in an adorable shrub, the Golden Mop False Cypress is the choice for you!

How to Use Golden Mop False Cypress in the Landscape

Called "Golden Mop" for its mop-head appearance, this little gem features a cute, unkempt look with a ground-hugging appearance that looks fantastic when used in mass.

Order an informal grouping of 3, 5, or 7 plants for a sunny location and combine them with colorful perennials and annuals for an amazing look. It also works beautifully with deep, purple foliage plants, as well as the cool tones of Bluestem grasses.

It would work well for foundation plantings, or in the front of borders. And because of the great color, you can repeat this plant throughout your mixed shrub or perennial borders to beef up some winter presence in the yard. This plant stays bright and colorful year-round.

Try Golden Mop Cypress in Rock Gardens to soften the look. Try it near a street. It's drought tolerant once established and even tolerates some salt. You could use this plant for Bonsai and in container gardening, as well!

Bright Foliage Color
Dwarf Evergreen
Rounded Mop-Like Appearance
Great In Containers
Excellent Foundation or Massing Plant

#ProPlantTips for Care

Golden Mop False Cypress has no serious insect or disease problems of any note. It's considered a low-maintenance shrub, so you won't have to fuss with it like some other landscape varieties.

While it can perform in full sun to part shade, the color will be best in full sun. It would work well for foundation plantings where it is sunny and has a well-drained soil type. If needed, give the shrub a light trim after new growth finishes emerging in the summer.

Give it an annual dose of Dr. Earth Acid Loves Organic and Natural Fertilizer in spring.

Full Sun For Best Color
Well-Drained Soil - Saline Soil Tolerant
Moderate Moisture Needs
Cold Hardy
Disease Resistant

You'll love this best-selling plant, as so many others do. For the best selection, order now at NatureHills.com!

Botanical Name

Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Golden Mop'
Class

Pinopsida
Species

pisifera
Cultivar

Golden Mop
Growing Zones

3-5
Height

5 ft
Width

5 ft
Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade
Growth Rate

Slow
Flower Color

Brown, Green
Leaf Color

Yellow, Gold
Fall Color

Evergreen
Bloom Period

Late Spring
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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Growing Zones 3-5

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do deer eat gold mop cypress?

Golden Mop False Cypress is generally deer resistant due to its aromatic evergreen foliage. Deer typically avoid cypress varieties because they dislike the scent and texture of the fine needles. Plant it in areas where deer browsing is a concern for reliable color without protection.

What is its mature height and width?

Golden Mop False Cypress reaches 2-3 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide at maturity. This slow-growing dwarf shrub maintains a compact, ground-hugging form perfect for small spaces. Plan for its spreading habit when spacing plants in mass plantings available at naturehills.com.

What USDA hardiness zones can Golden Mop False Cypress survive in?

Golden Mop False Cypress thrives in USDA zones 4-8, handling extreme cold with ease. This tough evergreen maintains its bright golden color year-round, even in harsh winter conditions. Plant it in well-draining soil with full to partial sun for best results.

Does Golden Mop False Cypress need full sun or can it tolerate partial shade?

Golden Mop False Cypress performs best in full sun to maintain its vibrant golden color. While it can tolerate some light shade, the foliage may become more green and less brilliant. Plant in a sunny location for the most striking year-round color impact.

How often should I water Golden Mop False Cypress after planting?

Water newly planted Golden Mop False Cypress deeply 2-3 times per week for the first month, then weekly until established. This drought-tolerant shrub needs consistent moisture initially but becomes very low-maintenance once its roots are established. Check soil moisture regularly and available varieties at naturehills.com.

Is Golden Mop False Cypress a fast-growing or slow-growing plant?

Golden Mop False Cypress is a slow-growing dwarf evergreen shrub. Its compact growth habit makes it perfect for small spaces and containers where you don't want rapid expansion. Plan for gradual development when designing your landscape layout.

Does Golden Mop False Cypress produce flowers and if so, what color are they?

Golden Mop False Cypress is grown for its stunning golden foliage rather than flowers. As an evergreen conifer, it produces small, inconspicuous cones instead of showy blooms. Focus on pairing its bright yellow color with purple foliage plants or colorful perennials for visual interest.

Does Golden Mop False Cypress require regular pruning or maintenance?

Golden Mop False Cypress is extremely low-maintenance and rarely needs pruning due to its naturally slow growth habit. This tough shrub maintains its attractive mop-head shape on its own. Simply remove any dead or damaged branches as needed, and avoid heavy pruning which can ruin its natural form.

Will Golden Mop False Cypress maintain its golden color year-round?

Yes, Golden Mop False Cypress maintains its bright golden yellow foliage throughout all seasons. The color holds true year-round, providing consistent landscape interest even in winter. Plant it where you want reliable golden color in your garden all 12 months.