Chinese juniper and Lawson cypress are often considered for the same spot in the garden (specimen, screening). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Juniperus chinensis 2 m × 1 m after 10 years
A tough evergreen that takes full sun and fairly dry soil, sold in gardens as cultivars: slim cones, loose upright shrubs and wide spreading forms…
Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 2.5 m × 1 m after 10 years
A soft, scale-leaved evergreen that is grown in gardens almost only as cultivars: slim columns or cones in blue-green, green or yellow that stay far…
Lawson cypress grows larger: 2.5 m × 1 m after ten years, against 2 m × 1 m for Chinese juniper.
Chinese juniper is hardier: down to -34 °C, against -29 °C for Lawson cypress.
Chinese juniper tolerates drought better than Lawson cypress.
Chinese juniper needs less care than Lawson cypress.
Chinese juniper is cheaper: about €8 at the size usually planted, against about €11 for Lawson cypress.
|
Feature
|
Chinese juniper
|
Lawson cypress
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shrub | Shrub |
| Size after 10 years | 2 m × 1 m | 2.5 m × 1 m |
| Ultimate size | 1–8 m × 1–4 m | 1.5–10 m × 0.5–4 m |
| Growth rate | Medium | Medium |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade | Full sun, Part shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Clay, Calcareous, Acidic | Average garden soil, Acidic, Clay, Sandy |
| Hardiness | down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) | down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | High | Low |
| Maintenance | Low | Medium |
| Planting distance | 150 cm | 150 cm |
| For children | Mildly toxic (uncertain) | no data |
| Typical price | approx. €8 | approx. €11 |
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 8, 2026
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