Golden Mop False Cypress

Name: Golden Mop False Cypress
Brand: Nature Hills Nursery
SKU: 03014
Price: 31.13 USD
Availability: InStock

Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Golden Mop'

Nature Hills Nursery

$31¹³

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In Stock

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Plant Size

#1 Container #2 Container #3 Container

Product variants

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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Frequently Asked Questions

Do deer eat gold mop cypress?

Golden Mop False Cypress is typically deer resistant due to its aromatic evergreen foliage that deer tend to avoid. The fine-textured, resinous needles are not palatable to most deer. While no plant is completely deer-proof, this tough shrub rarely suffers browsing damage in most gardens.

What USDA hardiness zones is Golden Mop False Cypress suitable for?

Golden Mop False Cypress thrives in USDA zones 4-8, handling extreme cold with ease. This tough dwarf evergreen maintains its bright golden color year-round even in harsh winter conditions. Shop at Nature Hills for reliable plants suited to your zone.

How tall and wide does Golden Mop False Cypress grow at maturity?

Golden Mop False Cypress typically reaches 2-3 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide at maturity. This slow-growing dwarf shrub maintains its compact, ground-hugging form for years. Allow 3-4 feet of spacing when planting to accommodate its mature spread.

What are the sunlight requirements for Golden Mop False Cypress?

Golden Mop False Cypress thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. The bright golden foliage color is most vibrant when grown in full sun locations. Plant in a sunny spot for the best yellow color display year-round.

What type of soil does Golden Mop False Cypress prefer?

Golden Mop False Cypress thrives in well-draining soil and tolerates a wide pH range. This adaptable shrub handles poor soils once established and even tolerates some salt. For best results, avoid waterlogged conditions and plant in full to partial sun locations available at naturehills.com.

Does Golden Mop False Cypress require pruning or much maintenance?

Golden Mop False Cypress requires minimal maintenance and rarely needs pruning due to its naturally slow growth habit. This tough, easy-care shrub maintains its attractive mounded shape without intervention. Simply remove any dead or damaged branches in late winter if needed.

Can Golden Mop False Cypress be grown in containers or pots?

Yes, Golden Mop False Cypress grows well in containers and can even be used for bonsai. As a slow-growing dwarf shrub, it's perfectly sized for pot cultivation. Choose a container with good drainage and use quality potting mix for best results.

How should I fertilize Golden Mop False Cypress?

Golden Mop False Cypress rarely needs fertilizing once established, as these tough evergreens thrive in average soil conditions. If growth seems slow, apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins.

When will my Golden Mop False Cypress plant ship, and at what size?

Golden Mop False Cypress typically ships as a 1-2 foot plant in a nursery container during the optimal planting seasons of spring and fall. This slow-growing dwarf shrub arrives ready to plant and establish in your landscape. Check your specific ship date at checkout for timing in your area.

Does Golden Mop False Cypress have invasive or extensive roots that could damage foundations?

Golden Mop False Cypress has a shallow, non-invasive root system that won't damage foundations. As a slow-growing dwarf shrub with a ground-hugging habit, its roots spread horizontally rather than deeply. Plant it confidently near foundations or walkways.