Free Shipping on Orders $199+

Reserve Your Spring Garden Now
Growing Zone: | Garden in
Find your Growing Zone!

Contorted Hinoki False Cypress

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Contorta'

Nature Hills Nursery
$13237
Shipping calculated at checkout.
In Stock
Plant not supported in Growing Zone. Update address

Unfortunately, this item cannot be shipped to your state.

Shipping to a different address?

Shipping to your area may be delayed due to weather conditions.

Shipping to a different address?

Enter your ZIP code to check shipping availability.

Find your Growing Zone
Plant Size

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

  • Sunlight: This evergreen performs best in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct light to maintain its tight, twisted foliage. While it can handle partial shade, the unique contorted form may become loose and open if it reaches for more light.
  • Soil: It thrives in moist, well drained soil that is slightly acidic. If you have heavy clay, plant it in a raised mound to prevent the roots from sitting in water, which can lead to root rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first two growing seasons, provide deep watering twice a week to ensure the root system establishes properly. Once mature, this cypress is moderately drought tolerant, but inconsistent moisture during hot spells can cause the inner needles to brown and drop prematurely.

Pruning Tips

Since this slow growing conifer produces new growth at the tips of its branches, you should only prune to remove dead wood or to slightly shape the plant in early spring. Avoid cutting back into old wood that has no green needles, as it will not regenerate and you may leave a permanent hole in the architecture.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release evergreen fertilizer once in early spring before new growth emerges to support healthy color. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers in late summer because this encourages tender new growth that will likely be damaged by the first hard frost of winter.

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 3-4 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
Plant Sentry Protected

Plant Sentry™ Protected

Your order is protected by our compliance system that:

  • Prevents restricted plants from shipping to your state
  • Ensures plants meet your state's agricultural requirements
  • Protects gardens from invasive pests and diseases

Learn more about Plant Sentry™

Contorted Hinoki False Cypress: A Sculptural Masterpiece

Twisting, spiraling foliage with year-round elegance gives your garden an artistic, one-of-a-kind touch! The Contorted Hinoki False Cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Contorta') is a stunning evergreen shrub with whimsical, twisting branches and rich green foliage. Unlike traditional False Cypress, this unique specimen boasts naturally curving, spiraled limbs, adding movement, soft-to-the-touch texture, and visual interest to any landscape.

This slow-growing, compact Conifer maintains its dense, deep green foliage year-round, making it a low-maintenance but high-impact choice for gardeners who love distinctive, sculptural plants.

Key Benefits of Contorted Hinoki False Cypress

If you're looking for an eye-catching, easy-care evergreen with a unique twist, this ornamental conifer is the perfect choice!

Whether used as a standout focal point, a striking foundation shrub, or a sculpted container plant, the Contorted Hinoki Cypress brings elegance, character, and architectural beauty to any setting.

The Contorted Hinoki False Cypress is a true statement piece, offering artistic beauty, year-round greenery, and effortless care. Order today and transform your garden with this captivating evergreen!

  • Sculptural, Twisting Branches: Naturally curved and contorted limbs create an artistic, architectural shape.
  • Evergreen & Year-Round Beauty: Keeps its dense, glossy green foliage in every season, offering lasting structure and color.
  • Compact & Manageable Size: Reaches 4-6 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide, making it ideal for small gardens and container plantings.
  • Low Maintenance & Slow Growing: Grows at a moderate pace with minimal pruning needed, maintaining its natural form effortlessly.
  • Cold Hardy & Adaptable: Thrives in USDA Zones 4-8, handling cold winters and warm summers with ease.
  • Deer & Pest Resistant: Naturally unappealing to deer, rabbits, and most common pests, ensuring year-round resilience.

Where To Plant Contorted Hinoki False Cypress

This versatile, elegant Conifer adds structure, texture, and movement to any garden, making it perfect for both classic and modern landscapes.

  • Specimen Planting & Focal Points ? A natural work of art, perfect for entryways, garden islands, and rock gardens.
  • Foundation Plantings: Adds architectural appeal near homes, patios, and walkways.
  • Japanese & Zen Gardens: Complement tranquil, meditative landscapes with their sculptural shape.
  • Xeric-Landscaping & Dry Landscapes: Thrives in rocky, well-draining soils, adding texture and contrast.
  • Containers & Courtyards: Compact size and slow growth make it a perfect patio or container plant.
  • Evergreen Borders & Hedges: Works well in mixed plantings, adding a dynamic, twisting contrast among straight-growing shrubs.

Care & Maintenance

This long-lived, naturally elegant evergreen thrives with minimal care, making it a hassle-free addition to any landscape.

  • Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade; thrives in at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
  • Soil: Prefers moist, well-draining, slightly acidic soil; tolerates sandy and loamy soils.
  • Watering: Water regularly when young; once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant.
  • Mulching: A 3-4 inch mulch layer helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
  • Pruning: Minimal pruning needed. Only trim dead or wayward branches to enhance shape.
  • Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring for optimal growth.

Whimsical Elegance - Contorted Hinoki False Cypress!

With its sinuous, twisting limbs, deep green evergreen foliage, and effortless maintenance, Contorted Hinoki False Cypress is a standout choice for gardeners looking to add unique, sculptural beauty to their landscapes. This unusual and elegant conifer delivers unmatched visual interest.

Order yours today online at Nature Hills Nursery and add a living work of art to your garden!

Growing Zones 5-8

Find Your Growing Zone!

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast does Contorted Hinoki False Cypress grow?
  • It has a slow to moderate growth rate, reaching 4-6 feet in height over several years.

Does False Cypress need frequent pruning?
  • No! Its natural shape is already sculptural, requiring little to no pruning.

Can False Cypress be grown in containers?
  • Yes! Its compact size and slow growth make it a fantastic choice for patio planters and Bonsai-style gardens.

Is False Cypress deer-resistant?
  • Yes! Deer and rabbits tend to avoid it, making it a great choice for landscapes with wildlife.

Does it keep its color year-round?
  • Yes! The deep green foliage remains vibrant throughout every season, making it a perfect evergreen for winter interest.
Back to top

Find Your Garden's Growing Zone!

Your Current Growing Zone:

Zone

ZIP Code:

✓ Growing Zone Set Successfully!

Your zone has been saved and will be used throughout the site.

⚠ Unable to locate a growing zone for that ZIP code.

Please check your ZIP code and try again.

Looking up your growing zone...

When ordering a tree or plant, make sure to know your planting zone.

You can determine your garden's USDA hardiness zone by entering your Zip Code below.