How big does Hinoki cypress grow?

About 3 m × 1.5 m after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 10–20 m × 3–6 m.

What soil does Hinoki cypress grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, acidic, clay, sandy.

Is Hinoki cypress hardy?

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How far from the house should Hinoki cypress be planted?

Plant it at least 6 m from buildings. Keep it at least 1.5 m from paving.

How much water does Hinoki cypress need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: low.

Hinoki cypress

Chamaecyparis obtusa

Hinoki cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) is a large tree that reaches 3 m × 1.5 m after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: low.

Illustration of Hinoki cypress — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

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 tree that tops 30 metres in its homeland, but nurseries sell almost only its dwarf forms (such as 'Nana Gracilis'): these reach about 1 to 1.5 metres in ten years and only 2 to 3 metres after many years. It suits rock gardens, Japanese-style plantings, front gardens and tubs, and needs no pruning. Give it moist but well-drained, preferably acidic to neutral soil and a spot sheltered from wind, because it resents chalky ground, waterlogging and long drought alike.

Watch out for

It has no serious pest or disease of its own; most problems come from the site. In waterlogged, airless, heavy soil it is killed by Phytophthora root rot, against which only good drainage helps. On the chalky, alkaline soils of Central Europe it grows poorly and yellows, and in hot, dry summers without watering and mulch the inner foliage browns and the plant goes bare; false cypresses do not resprout from old, leafless wood, so bare patches stay. In cold winters the foliage can scorch on the sunny, windy side, so plant it out of the wind and water on frost-free winter days. Spider mites may appear in hot, dry weather and, less often, fungal tip blights; weakened plants can also be attacked by the juniper jewel beetle. For plants in tubs, do not let the root ball freeze solid or dry out in winter. Shops sell almost only its dwarf or columnar cultivars, which stay a fraction of the size of the species: check the size of the cultivar you choose before you buy.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 3 m × 1.5 m
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Evergreen

All details

Group	Large tree
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	3 m × 1.5 m
Ultimate size	10–20 m × 3–6 m
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Acidic, Clay, Sandy
Foliage	Evergreen
Flowering	no data
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 6 m
Distance from paving	at least 1.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	400 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	no data
Typical price	no data

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 17, 2026 · How our data is made

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