Hinoki cypress and Sawara cypress are often considered for the same spot in the garden (specimen, container). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Chamaecyparis obtusa 1.5 m × 80 cm after 10 years
A slow-growing, dark green evergreen whose flat, shell-like twisting fans of foliage build a sculptural, irregular shape. The wild species is a forest…
Chamaecyparis pisifera 1.5 m × 1.5 m after 10 years
An evergreen from Japan that is a large tree in the wild, but gardens almost only grow its slow ornamental forms: the thread-leaf Filifera types…
Hinoki cypress needs less water than Sawara cypress.
Hinoki cypress needs less care than Sawara cypress.
Sawara cypress is cheaper: about €17 at the size usually planted, against about €24 for Hinoki cypress.
|
Feature
|
Hinoki cypress
|
Sawara cypress
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shrub | Shrub |
| Size after 10 years | 1.5 m × 80 cm | 1.5 m × 1.5 m |
| Ultimate size | 1–3 m × 1–2.5 m | 1–6 m × 1–4 m |
| Growth rate | Slow | Slow |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade | Full sun, Part shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Acidic, Clay, Sandy | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Acidic |
| Hardiness | down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) | down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Water need | Medium | High |
| Drought tolerance | Low | Low |
| Maintenance | Low | Medium |
| Planting distance | 100 cm | 150 cm |
| Typical price | approx. €24 | approx. €17 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 13, 2026
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