hinoki cypress

The Hinoki cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Kosteri') is a fast-growing evergreen shrub that can reach up to 4 feet in height. It requires well-draining soil and moderate watering. During the summer months, it should be watered every 4 to 6 weeks, depending on your climate and the moisture level of the soil. During the dormant season in late fall and winter, water only when the soil is dry. To get a better idea of when to water, check the soil with your finger to determine moisture levels. When the top inch of soil is dry to the touch, it is time to water. Be sure to water thoroughly and slowly, so the roots can absorb more moisture. Do not overwater as this can cause root rot.

The hinoki cypress needs medium to bright light, so an area with mostly direct sunlight that receives a few hours a day is the best. During the hottest parts of the day, it's best to provide partial shade to protect the plant from the intense light. Depending on the season, it would be beneficial to adjust the amount of sunlight the hinoki cypress receives. During the summer months, the amount and intensity of sunlight will be higher than in the winter, and care should be taken not to overexpose the plant.

For optimal growth, the hinoki cypress should be pruned twice a year - once in the early spring and again after the summer. Pruning should be done with sharp pruning shears or hand pruners, and stems should be cut just above the desired shape of the tree, leaving a bit of room for new growth. Trees should not be pruned so severely that only a few branches remain. In most cases, removal of dead, diseased, or broken branches is all that is necessary. To promote foliage density, thin out crowded branches and remove any buds or shoots that are pointing toward the center of the tree. Hinoki cypress also benefit from occasional lid pruning, which involves removing the uppermost branches of the pyramid-shaped tree to promote strong branches and prevent balding.