Dwarf Hinoki False Cypress

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Nana'

Nature Hills Nursery

True Dwarf Hinoki Cypress that Stays Compact Without Pruning or Trimming
Thrives in Zones 5-8
Grows 2-4 ft Tall and Wide
Evergreen Year-Round Color and Privacy
Fragrant Blooms in Late Spring

$132³⁷

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Plant Size

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade, providing at least six hours of direct light for the best color density. In hotter southern climates, afternoon shade is helpful to prevent the delicate foliage from scorching or bronzing.
Soil: These evergreens prefer moist, well-drained, and slightly acidic soil. If you are dealing with heavy clay, plant your Hinoki in a raised mound or a garden berm to ensure water moves away from the roots and prevents rot.

Watering Requirements

Check the soil moisture daily during the first two growing seasons and water whenever the top inch feels dry. While mature plants can handle short dry spells, inconsistent watering often leads to "inner needle drop" or brown tips. Think of consistent moisture as the key to maintaining that lush, deep green texture throughout the year.

Pruning Tips

This slow-growing conifer rarely needs a haircut, but you can do light shaping in early spring before new growth begins. Always keep your trims limited to the green outer tips and never cut back into the bare, brown wood inside the plant. These older branches do not have dormant buds, so if you cut too deep, that spot will stay bare forever.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer designed for evergreens once every year in early spring. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers after mid-summer because they encourage tender new growth that cannot harden off in time for winter. This prevents the "winter kill" that happens when soft foliage is hit by the first hard frost.

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, Compact/Dwarf, Container Friendly, Deer-resistant, Evergreen, Full Sun, Low Maintenance, Non-invasive, Rabbit Resistant, Shade Tolerant
Hardiness Zone	4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	2-4 ft
Width	2-4 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Growth Rate	Slow
Growth Habit	Bushy
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Brown, Green
Foliage Color	Green
Fragrant	Yes
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Arborvitae
Botanical Name	Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Nana'
Species	obtusa
Cultivar	Nana
Class	Pinopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Sculptural Accent Dwarf Hinoki False Cypress

Add character and year-round evergreen structure to your landscape...the easy way! Grow them in the ground, or keep them in containers on your balcony, patio, porch or deck.

Ruffled Dwarf Hinoki False Cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Nana') features cupped sprays of evergreen foliage. Every compact shrub becomes a unique accent over time.

These slow-growing small shrubs develop into a wonderfully dynamic feature, without pruning or trimming. Give yours a name, and baby it as a member of your tribe.

You might be surprised how versatile Dwarf Hinoki False Cypress are for landscape use. With an easy-care nature, adaptability, and dark green color, these are a wonderful choice for low-maintenance gardens.

They also fit beautifully in small space gardens. Let them grow as they will as a living piece of sculpture.

Dense foliage fills in all the way to the ground. You'll never need to worry about adding facer plants if you prefer a streamlined Asian-inspired style.

However, if Cottage Gardens are your thing...know that Dwarf Hinoki False Cypress plays well with others in a mixed border. Rely on their funky presence to contrast with a hodge-podge of flowering plants.

Evergreens are worth their weight in gold! They effortlessly ground your plantings with a strong, steady boost of rich green.

These memorable evergreens are an exceptional addition to perk up bland landscapes. Consider them a living shot of espresso in your mature foundation plantings.

Order several Dwarf Hinoki False Cypress from Nature Hills today. They make exceptional plant gifts, as well!

How to Use Dwarf Hinoki False Cypress in the Landscape

Add one as a specialty evergreen in a curated collection. Dedicate a planting bed for wonderful Little Gem Norway Spruce and Papoose Sitka Spruce...or keep all three in oversized outdoor containers or troughs.

Consider them "full-size" Bonsai, and rest easy with their charming personalities in a Zen Garden. Why not add raked gravel mulch around them, and enjoy the process of creating mindful designs?

Keep two unique Dwarf Hinoki False Cypress plants in tall pots on either side of your front door. Brand your space with a very personal style.

These plants also make a showy addition to a mixed border. Play on the ruffled bloom texture with a tall layer of Black Diamond® Best Red™ Crape Myrtle shrubs planted behind a repeating series of Dwarf Hinoki.

Have fun with these light-hearted compact shrubs! Let them highlight bends, twists and turns in borders, Rock Gardens, or foundation plantings.

Be inspired! This choice makes an excellent key player in a garden "vignette". Paint your visitors a beautiful picture with plants from Nature Hills.

Bring in a really special boulder and plant a Dwarf Hinoki False Cypress nearby to keep it company. Pop a Big Bluestem Grass behind the rock to soften the look.

Add a bench and you'll create a very meaningful memorial. Use one of our fantastic specialty evergreen trees like Slenderina Weeping Blue Spruce or Bruns Weeping Serbian Spruce as a taller partner.

Pair with gorgeous groundcover Roses on the south side of a trio of Dwarf Hinoki False Cypress.

It doesn't get any prettier—or easier—than that!

Petite Accent Shrub
Excellent Ruffled Textured Evergreen With Dense Growth
Unique Cupped Foliage Held in Sprays
Rich Color Holds Through Winter
Versatile & Can Be Grown in Containers
Unique Growth & Zen Style
Showy Evergreen for Collectors!
Resists Pests & Disease,

#ProPlantTips for Care

Plant in full sun or partial shade, where it will receive at least four hours of direct sunlight a day. Good air circulation is appreciated.

Give them well-drained soil, as their roots love to be damp, but won't tolerate standing water. Elevate the planting in a raised bed, if needed.

Nature Hills Root Booster helps the tiny feeder roots access water and micro-nutrients over the life of the plant. This time-tested formula delivers enormous benefits to your plant, and it never "wears out".

Apply a moderate amount of water on a regular basis. Keep the roots cool with a three-inch layer of mulch, then pull it back away from the trunk.

Evergreens stay vibrant rich green year-round, but they do have a normal renewal cycle and you may see some foliage drop in fall. Protect their evergreen needles with a good long drink of water in fall before the winter winds come on.

Slow-release fertilizer can be applied in early spring. Follow the directions for application rates on the label. Dwarf Hinoki False Cypress resists pests and diseases with proper care!

Grow in Full Sun or Partial Shade
Well-Drained Soil
Moderate Moisture Needs
Prune If Needed In Spring
Slow Grower Rarely Requires Pruning

Get started on a new love affair with these expertly-grown, darling evergreen shrubs. Order Dwarf Hinoki False Cypress today!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do deer eat hinoki cypress?

Hinoki cypress is generally deer resistant due to its aromatic evergreen foliage that deer typically avoid. The dense, cupped sprays of foliage naturally deter browsing. Plant yours in open areas where deer frequent for reliable, low-maintenance greenery.

How large does Dwarf Hinoki False Cypress grow at maturity?

Dwarf Hinoki False Cypress typically reaches 3-4 feet tall and wide at maturity after 10-15 years of slow growth. These compact evergreens develop their sculptural form naturally without pruning. Plan spacing accordingly for their mature size when designing your landscape or shop varieties at Nature Hills.

What type of soil does Dwarf Hinoki False Cypress need?

Dwarf Hinoki False Cypress thrives in well-draining soil and adapts to various soil types. These low-maintenance evergreens tolerate both slightly acidic and neutral pH conditions. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot, especially in clay soils.

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

Water newly planted Dwarf Hinoki False Cypress deeply once or twice weekly for the first growing season. These drought-tolerant evergreens need consistent moisture to establish their root system. Once established, they require minimal supplemental watering except during extended dry periods.

Does Dwarf Hinoki False Cypress need pruning, and when?

Dwarf Hinoki False Cypress requires no regular pruning and develops its sculptural form naturally. These slow-growing evergreens are prized for their ability to create dynamic features without trimming. Only remove dead or damaged branches as needed using clean, sharp pruners.

What is the growth rate of Dwarf Hinoki False Cypress?

Dwarf Hinoki False Cypress is a slow-growing evergreen shrub that develops its sculptural form gradually over many years. This compact plant naturally maintains its unique shape without any pruning or trimming required. Allow plenty of time for your specimen to develop its characteristic cupped foliage sprays and distinctive personality.

Can Dwarf Hinoki False Cypress be grown in containers?

Yes, Dwarf Hinoki False Cypress thrives in containers and makes an excellent choice for balconies, patios, porches, and decks. Their slow-growing, compact nature makes them ideal for long-term container culture. Use oversized outdoor containers or troughs for best results.

How do you ship Dwarf Hinoki False Cypress plants, and what are the costs?

Dwarf Hinoki False Cypress ships as healthy, well-rooted plants via ground transportation with careful packaging to protect the delicate evergreen foliage. Shipping costs vary by location and plant size, with most orders arriving within 5-7 business days. Check your specific zone compatibility before ordering to ensure successful establishment.

Will Dwarf Hinoki False Cypress survive winter in zone 7B with some frost?

Dwarf Hinoki False Cypress is hardy in zones 4-8, so it will easily survive zone 7B winters and frost. These evergreens are quite cold tolerant and maintain their dense, dark green foliage year-round. No winter protection needed in your zone.

Dwarf Hinoki False Cypress

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Nana'