Growing Zone: | Garden in
Find your Growing Zone!

Haywire™ False Cypress

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'SMNCLUTL'

  • Hardy in zones 5-7 with exceptional salt tolerance for coastal and roadside locations
  • Distinctive threadleaf foliage creates fine-textured drama year-round with minimal pruning required
  • Moderate to fast growth reaches 12-18 feet tall and wide making an impressive specimen or dense privacy screen
  • Proven Winners® selection bred for superior health, cold hardiness, and reliable landscape performance
Regular price $2699
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Out of 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: Provide at least four to six hours of direct sun daily for best foliage density and color. Plants tolerate partial shade but may develop a more open habit with less sun exposure.

Soil: Thrives in average, well-drained soil with consistent moisture. Heavy clay soils need amending with compost and coarse sand to improve drainage. Avoid wet sites where roots may rot. This false cypress performs well in sandy or loamy soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH.

Watering Requirements

Water deeply twice a week during the first two growing seasons to establish a strong root system. Once established, water weekly during dry spells, providing about one inch of water. Even established plants appreciate consistent moisture during hot summers but avoid soggy conditions. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch to retain soil moisture and regulate root temperature.

Pruning Tips

Rarely requires pruning thanks to its naturally attractive upright form. If needed, trim lightly in early spring before new growth begins to shape or control size. Avoid cutting into old wood as false cypress does not regenerate from bare stems. Remove any dead or damaged branches anytime. Light annual trimming maintains density if using as a formal screen.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced slow-release evergreen fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins. A second light feeding in early summer supports continued growth. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which promote excessive soft growth susceptible to winter damage and reduce the plant's natural cold hardiness.

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

Photo courtesy of Proven Winners - www.provenwinners.com

Description

Haywire™ False Cypress (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'SMNCLUTL') commands attention with its distinctive threadleaf foliage that creates a fine-textured, almost feathery appearance unlike typical false cypress varieties. This Proven Winners® selection brings architectural presence to landscapes with its upright pyramidal form that reaches 12-18 feet tall and equally wide at maturity, making it equally impressive as a dramatic specimen or planted in a row for a substantial evergreen screen.

Year-Round Garden Interest

The rich green foliage holds its color beautifully through all four seasons without bronzing or browning in winter. The thread-like foliage gives this cultivar exceptional texture that catches light differently throughout the day, creating visual interest even from a distance. Unlike coarser evergreens, the soft, graceful foliage adds movement in the breeze while maintaining the density needed for privacy screening.

Outstanding Hardiness and Adaptability

Bred specifically for superior performance in the landscape, Haywire™ demonstrates exceptional cold hardiness for a Port Orford cedar relative, thriving in zones 5-7 where many Chamaecyparis lawsoniana cultivars struggle. The plant shows notable salt tolerance, making it valuable for coastal properties or locations near roads treated with de-icing salt in winter. Once established, it handles summer heat better than many false cypress varieties while maintaining its vibrant green color.

Low-Maintenance Landscape Presence

This variety requires minimal intervention to maintain its naturally symmetrical pyramidal shape. Unlike hedges that demand frequent shearing, Haywire™ grows into an attractive form with little to no pruning. Deer largely ignore the aromatic foliage, and the plant resists common evergreen pests when given proper growing conditions. Its moderate growth rate means it fills in relatively quickly without becoming unmanageable or requiring constant trimming to control size.

Proven Winners® Reliability

As a Proven Winners® selection, Haywire™ has undergone rigorous testing to ensure it performs consistently across different growing conditions and climates. This means you're getting a plant bred for health, vigor, and the ability to thrive year after year with basic care. The investment in this premium evergreen pays dividends through decades of reliable performance with minimal maintenance requirements.

Whether you're looking for a statement-making focal point near an entryway, a dramatic backdrop for perennial borders, or a substantial living fence to define property boundaries, Haywire™ False Cypress delivers year-round structure and texture that elevates the entire landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Haywire™ False Cypress grow in zone 5a or only 5b and above?

  • Haywire™ False Cypress thrives in zones 5-7, which includes zone 5a. This cultivar was specifically bred for superior cold hardiness compared to other Port Orford cedar relatives. Plant with confidence in zone 5a locations.

How much sun does Haywire™ False Cypress need—full sun, part sun, or shade?

  • Haywire™ False Cypress thrives in full sun to partial sun conditions. This Proven Winners® selection needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to maintain its vibrant green color and dense pyramidal form. Shop at Nature Hills for this low-maintenance evergreen that's hardy in zones 5-7.

What are the planting instructions for Haywire™ False Cypress when it arrives?

  • Plant Haywire™ False Cypress in well-draining soil with full to partial sun exposure in zones 5-7. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, keeping the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil. Space plants 12-18 feet apart for mature size or closer for screening.

Is Haywire™ False Cypress deer resistant?

  • Yes, Haywire™ False Cypress is deer resistant due to its aromatic foliage that deer typically avoid. The natural oils in the threadleaf foliage act as a deterrent while maintaining the plant's ornamental value. Plant it confidently in deer-prone areas for reliable evergreen screening.

Does Haywire™ False Cypress require pruning, and when?

  • Haywire™ False Cypress maintains its naturally symmetrical pyramidal shape with little to no pruning needed. Its moderate growth rate and excellent form eliminate the frequent shearing required by traditional hedges. If light shaping is desired, prune in late winter before new growth begins.

What fertilizer does Haywire™ False Cypress need?

  • Haywire™ False Cypress thrives with minimal fertilization once established. A balanced slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring provides adequate nutrition for healthy growth. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can compromise the natural form and cold hardiness in zones 5-7.

Is Haywire™ False Cypress salt tolerant for coastal areas?

  • Yes, Haywire™ False Cypress shows notable salt tolerance, making it well-suited for coastal properties and areas near winter-salted roads. This hardy evergreen thrives in zones 5-7 while maintaining its vibrant green color year-round. Plant it as a specimen or privacy screen in salt-prone locations.

How do I mulch and maintain even moisture for Haywire™ False Cypress?

  • Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch around the base, keeping it 6 inches from the trunk. This established evergreen handles summer heat well once its roots are developed. Water deeply but infrequently during the first two growing seasons to encourage deep root growth.

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.