Lawson 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 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…
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…
Lawson cypress needs less water than Sawara cypress.
|
Feature
|
Lawson cypress
|
Sawara cypress
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shrub | Shrub |
| Size after 10 years | 2.5 m × 1 m | 1.5 m × 1.5 m |
| Ultimate size | 1.5–10 m × 0.5–4 m | 1–6 m × 1–4 m |
| Growth rate | Medium | 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 | Medium | Medium |
| Planting distance | 150 cm | 150 cm |
| Typical price | approx. €11 | approx. €8.90 |
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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