Well's Special Hinoki False Cypress

Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Well's Special’

Nature Hills Nursery

Soft, Feathery Cham. Obtusa with Sculptural Pyramidal Form for Year-Round Garden Structure
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-8
Grows 10-15 ft Tall, 4-6 ft Wide
Evergreen Year-Round Color and Privacy
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Rabbit Resistant

$132³⁷

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Plant Size

#3 Container

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This evergreen thrives in full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. While it handles afternoon shade well, more sun generally results in a denser growth habit and richer golden-green foliage color.
Soil: It prefers moist, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. If you have heavy clay, plant it in a raised mound or add organic compost to improve drainage, as "wet feet" or standing water can lead to root rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first two growing seasons, water deeply twice a week to help the roots reach deep into the soil profile. Once mature, this False Cypress is moderately drought-tolerant, but consistent moisture is key to preventing the delicate fan-like foliage from browning at the tips. If the soil stays bone-dry for too long, the plant will drop interior needles prematurely as a stress response.

Pruning Tips

Wells Special Hinoki False Cypress grows slowly and naturally maintains a beautiful upright pyramidal shape, so pruning should be kept to a minimum. If you need to tidy it up, do so in early spring before new growth begins, focusing only on the soft green tips. Never cut back into the "dead zone" or the bare woody interior because these plants do not readily sprout new growth from old wood.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release evergreen fertilizer in early spring just as the weather begins to warm up. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer or fall, as this encourages tender new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first freeze. This late-season growth is highly susceptible to winter burn, which can damage the plant's structural integrity.

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

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Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Attracts pollinators, Cold hardy, Container Friendly, Deer-resistant, Evergreen, Full Sun, Hedge/Screen, Low Maintenance, Non-invasive, Rabbit Resistant, Shade Tolerant
Hardiness Zone	2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	10-15 ft
Width	4-6 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Growth Rate	Slow
Growth Habit	Upright
Plant Life Cycle	Perennial
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Brown, Green
Fragrant	Yes
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Arborvitae
Botanical Name	Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Well's Special’
Species	obtusa
Cultivar	Well
Class	Pinopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Well's Special Hinoki False Cypress - Sculptural Elegance!

Elevate your garden with the very special Well's Special Hinoki False Cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Well's Special')! This is a stunning evergreen conifer known for its elegant, layered, tight branching and deep green, fan-like foliage. Unlike typical conifers, this refined variety boasts a soft, feathery texture with a naturally graceful, almost skeletal, architectural pyramidal form that remains dense and tidy with minimal maintenance.

Perfect for year-round structure and contrast, this slow-growing, compact evergreen is an excellent choice for small gardens, foundation plantings, and Japanese-inspired landscapes. Whether standing as a specimen tree, blending into mixed borders, or gracing patio planters, Well's Special Hinoki False Cypress brings effortless sophistication to any space.

Why You’ll Love Well's Special Hinoki False Cypress

This luxurious, slow-growing conifer offers timeless beauty, effortless care, and year-round greenery—perfect for both classic and contemporary landscapes!

Graceful, Layered Branching – Soft, overlapping fans of soft-to-the-touch deep green foliage create a sculpted, refined appearance.
Compact & Naturally Elegant Form – Grows 10-15 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide, developing a pyramidal shape without pruning.
Evergreen & Year-Round Interest – Maintains lush green color and texture in every season.
Slow Growing & Low Maintenance – Requires minimal pruning to retain its neat, upright form.
Cold Hardy & Heat Tolerant – Thrives in USDA Zones 4-8, adapting to varied climates with ease.
Deer & Pest Resistant – Unappealing to deer, rabbits, and most pests, ensuring a worry-free landscape choice.

Where To Plant Well's Special Hinoki False Cypress

This versatile, refined evergreen enhances any garden with elegance, texture, and structure. Whether used as a standalone specimen or incorporated into mixed plantings, it offers lasting beauty and effortless charm.

Specimen & Focal Points – A sophisticated centerpiece for courtyards, entryways, or garden islands.
Foundation Plantings – Adds a stately, architectural presence near homes, patios, and walkways.
Japanese & Zen Gardens – Complements tranquil, meditative landscapes, and rock gardens, with its soft, layered texture.
Evergreen Borders & Mixed Shrubs – Pairs beautifully with Rhododendrons, Azaleas, and Boxwoods for a refined, multi-layered look.
Xeric-Landscaping & Dry Landscapes – Thrives in well-draining, rocky soils, offering height and texture.
Container Gardening – Perfect for large patio planters, maintaining its elegant shape in small spaces.

False Cypress Care & Maintenance

This long-lived, graceful conifer thrives with minimal upkeep, making it an ideal choice for low-maintenance gardens.

Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade; best color and growth occur in at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Soil: Thrives in moist, well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil; tolerates sandy or loamy conditions.
Watering: Water deeply 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 is required—only remove dead or wayward branches to maintain their natural form.
Fertilizing: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support healthy growth.

Sophisticated Beauty - Well's Special Hinoki False Cypress!

With its graceful form, rich green foliage, and low-maintenance appeal, Well's Special Hinoki False Cypress is a must-have for gardeners who appreciate refined, sculptural evergreens. Whether used as a focal point, a structural element in mixed plantings, or an elegant container specimen, this stunning conifer delivers beauty with ease.

Order yours today and bring timeless elegance to your landscape with Well's Special Hinoki False Cypress!

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Growing Zones 4-8

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does it require pruning to maintain its shape?

Well's Special Hinoki False Cypress naturally maintains its elegant pyramidal shape with minimal pruning required. This slow-growing conifer develops its refined, layered form without regular trimming. Light pruning in late winter can remove any wayward branches if desired.

Is it deer resistant?

Yes, Well's Special Hinoki False Cypress is deer and pest resistant. Deer and rabbits find this evergreen unappealing, making it an excellent worry-free choice for gardens in deer-prone areas. Plant with confidence in zones 4-8, available at naturehills.com.

What is its growth rate?

Well's Special Hinoki False Cypress is a slow-growing conifer that reaches 10-15 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide at maturity. This compact growth habit means minimal pruning is needed to maintain its naturally elegant pyramidal shape. Plant it where you want long-term structure without frequent maintenance.

Is it suitable for container growing?

Yes, Well's Special Hinoki False Cypress works well in containers due to its compact 4-6 foot width and slow growth rate. Its naturally tidy form requires minimal pruning, making it ideal for patio planters. Choose a large container with good drainage for best results.

What is the foliage texture like?

The foliage has a uniquely soft, feathery texture with overlapping fan-like sprays that feel gentle to the touch. Unlike typical rough conifer needles, this Hinoki's deep green foliage creates elegant layered branching. This refined texture makes it perfect for foundation plantings where you want year-round softness, available at naturehills.com.