Tempelhof Hinoki False Cypress

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Tempelhof'

Nature Hills Nursery

Golden-Yellow Two-Tone Foliage Sets Tempelhof Hinoki False Cypress Apart from Standard Varieties
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-8
Grows 8-10 ft Tall, 4-6 ft Wide
Evergreen Year-Round Color and Privacy
Fragrant Blooms in Late Spring

$132³⁷

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Plant Size

#3 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This evergreen performs best in full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 4 to 6 hours of direct light daily. While it handles some shade, more sunlight ensures the dense, fan-like foliage stays tight and maintains its deep green luster.
Soil: It prefers moist, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. If you have heavy clay, plant it in a raised mound or "berm" to keep the roots out of standing water, as "wet feet" is the quickest way to stress a Hinoki Cypress.

Watering Requirements

During the first two years, water your Tempelhof deeply twice a week to ensure the root system anchors properly. Once established, this variety is moderately drought-tolerant, but you should still provide supplemental water during long dry spells to prevent the inner needles from browning or dropping prematurely. Consistency is key because erratic watering can lead to tip dieback and a sparse appearance.

Pruning Tips

Since this slow-growing conifer does not easily sprout from old wood, you should only prune within the leafy green growth. Think of it like a light trim rather than a heavy haircut, focusing on removing dead or crossing branches in early spring before new growth starts. This minimal approach preserves the naturally tiered, sculptural habit that makes the Tempelhof so unique.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release evergreen fertilizer in early spring just as the tips begin to brighten with new growth. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer or fall. This prevents the plant from producing tender new shoots that won't have time to harden off before the first frost, which leads to winter burn.

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, 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	8-10 ft
Width	4-6 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Peaty, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Spreading, Upright
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Brown, Green
Foliage Color	Green, Yellow
Fragrant	Yes
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Arborvitae
Botanical Name	Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Tempelhof'
Species	obtusa
Cultivar	Tempelhof
Class	Pinopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

A vigorous grower with uniquely held branching, the ornamental Tempelhof Hinoki False Cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Tempelhof') produces showy scalloped foliage that makes this lovely shrub stand out!

Tempelhof has a golden-yellow outer foliage that contrasts with the darker green inner foliage, giving it a two-tone effect in the landscape. The Hinoki Cypress has a pyramidal form with a loose growing habit. The scale-like leaves remain green during the winter. It is a low-maintenance shrub that needs very little pruning to maintain its tidy form.

Heat and cold-hardy throughout USDA planting zones 4 to 8, resistant to most pests and diseases, and are seldom bothered by deer unless they are desperate. These are easy-to-grow evergreens with few issues to deal with once established.

Landscape Application:

Tempelhof False Cypress draws the eye when used as a singular specimen or showy groupings in your front yard! This beautiful evergreen is excellent as a corner foundation planting or low hedge dividing your front yard from the sidewalk. Try mixing and matching Tempelhof with Koster's False Cypress for a layered effect.

Not only great at drawing the eye but also great at hiding ugly eyesores! Hide the messy neighbor's backyard or junk car with a tidy hedge. Try placing one in front of crawl spaces or utility boxes, and because of their tolerance of a bit more moisture, plant near your HVAC unit to conceal it and soak up the extra moisture.

Tempelhof will provide an excellent background for perennials and be used as a border or hedge, lending its ornamental nature everywhere it goes! False Cypress won't outgrow their spaces and look best when allowed to grow to their mature height and width and when allowed to keep their limbs growing down to the ground.

Unique Scalloped Sculpted Scale-Like Branches
Pyramidal Form With Branching Held To The Ground
Dense Highly Ornamental Evergreen
Golden Green Exterior & Dark Green Interior
Fantastic Specimens, Accents, Hedges & Pretty Privacy

#ProPlantTips for Care:

The Hinoki False Cypress is an evergreen conifer that is resistant to deer and rabbits. It endures light shade well and its foliage will be fuller and more colorful in full sun. Plant in a well-drained soil location with a 3-4 inch deep layer of mulch. Provide regular moisture access as these plants can only tolerate brief drought once established. Prune in spring to remove any dieback and only the new growth of the current season for best results.

Full Sun & Afternoon Shade In Hotter Climates
Well-Drained Acidic Soil Locations
Regular Moderate Moisture
Prune Lightly In Spring
Deer Seldom Bother False Cypress

Gorgeous two-tone evergreen with unique scalloped branches, the Tempelhof Hinoki False Cypress will amaze you with its many benefits! Order yours now at NatureHills.com!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is hinoki cypress deer resistant?

Hinoki False Cypress is generally deer resistant and seldom bothered by deer browsing. However, hungry deer may nibble on it during harsh winters when other food sources are scarce. Plant it confidently in deer-prone areas, but consider additional protection during severe weather conditions.

How to prune cypress trees?

False cypress trees require minimal pruning due to their naturally tidy growth habit. Light shaping in late winter or early spring works best, focusing on removing any dead or damaged branches. Avoid heavy pruning as these evergreens don't respond well to cutting into old wood. Shop quality false cypress varieties at naturehills.com.

What USDA hardiness zones can Tempelhof Hinoki False Cypress grow in?

Tempelhof Hinoki False Cypress thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 8. This heat and cold-hardy evergreen tolerates a wide range of climates, from northern Minnesota to southern Georgia. Choose a well-draining location for best results.

How tall and wide does Tempelhof Hinoki False Cypress get at maturity?

Tempelhof Hinoki False Cypress typically reaches 6-8 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide at maturity. This slow to moderate grower maintains a naturally tidy pyramidal form in zones 4-8. Allow adequate space for its mature size and avoid pruning the lower branches for best appearance.

What type of soil does Tempelhof Hinoki False Cypress need to thrive?

Tempelhof Hinoki False Cypress adapts to most well-draining soils and tolerates slightly moist conditions better than many evergreens. This makes it perfect for planting near HVAC units or areas with occasional moisture. Shop at Nature Hills for healthy specimens that establish quickly in zones 4-8.

How often should I water my newly planted Tempelhof Hinoki False Cypress?

Water newly planted Tempelhof Hinoki False Cypress deeply 2-3 times per week for the first month. This cultivar tolerates some moisture but needs consistent watering until established. Check soil moisture by inserting your finger 2 inches deep and water when dry.

Does Tempelhof Hinoki False Cypress produce flowers or cones?

Tempelhof Hinoki False Cypress produces small, inconspicuous cones rather than showy flowers, as it's a coniferous evergreen. The ornamental value comes from its striking golden-yellow and dark green scalloped foliage. Focus on its exceptional two-tone foliage display for visual impact in your landscape.

What plants pair well with Tempelhof Hinoki False Cypress in landscape design?

Tempelhof pairs beautifully with Koster's False Cypress for a layered evergreen effect. Its golden-green foliage also provides an excellent backdrop for perennials and flowering shrubs. Plant it as a foundation border alongside colorful annuals or use it to frame deciduous plants that offer seasonal interest.

Tempelhof Hinoki False Cypress

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Tempelhof'