Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Nana Lutea' | Golden Hinoki Cypress | Dwarf Evergreen Shrub | Live Conifer | 4" Pot | Japanese Garden Plant

Add year-round color and elegant texture to your landscape with Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Nana Lutea', commonly known as Golden Hinoki Cypress. This compact, slow-growing evergreen conifer features brilliant golden-yellow foliage that brightens gardens in every season. Its naturally rounded form and soft, fan-like sprays create an elegant architectural accent, making it a favorite for Japanese gardens, rock gardens, foundation plantings, and decorative containers.

Unlike fast-growing evergreens, 'Nana Lutea' maintains its tidy shape with little pruning, making it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance specimen. Its rich golden foliage develops its brightest color in full sun while remaining attractive year-round.

Whether planted as a focal point or combined with contrasting shrubs and perennials, this dwarf Hinoki Cypress provides lasting beauty and structure for landscapes of every size.

🌿 Key Features

• Brilliant golden evergreen foliage
• Naturally compact, rounded growth habit
• Slow-growing and easy to maintain
• Excellent year-round landscape color
• Perfect for rock gardens and Japanese gardens
• Deer resistant
• Low maintenance evergreen shrub
• Outstanding specimen or container plant

🌱 Plant Details

Botanical Name: Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Nana Lutea'

Common Name: Golden Hinoki Cypress

Plant Type: Evergreen Dwarf Conifer

Foliage Color: Bright Golden Yellow

Mature Height: 3–4 Feet

Mature Spread: 3–4 Feet

Growth Habit: Compact, Rounded, Dense

Growth Rate: Slow

Light Requirements: Full Sun to Partial Shade

Water Needs: Moderate; Drought-Tolerant Once Established

Soil: Well-Drained, Slightly Acidic Soil Preferred

Hardiness Zones: USDA 5–8

Characteristics: Evergreen, Deer Resistant, Low Maintenance, Architectural Interest, Year-Round Color

🌼 Garden Uses

Perfect for:

• Japanese gardens
• Rock gardens
• Foundation plantings
• Small landscapes
• Patio containers
• Entryway accents
• Mixed shrub borders
• Courtyard gardens
• Bonsai collections
• Specimen plantings
• Four-season landscapes

Its naturally sculptural form adds elegant structure and vibrant golden color throughout the year.

🌸 Companion Plants

Pairs beautifully with:

• Japanese Maple
• Blue Star Juniper
• Dwarf Alberta Spruce
• Heuchera
• Hosta
• Hellebores
• Hakone Grass
• Boxwood
• Azaleas
• Pieris japonica

🌱 Care Instructions

Plant in well-draining soil with good air circulation.

Provide full sun for the brightest golden foliage, though partial shade is tolerated.

Water regularly during establishment, then only during prolonged dry periods.

Apply mulch around the base to conserve moisture while keeping mulch away from the trunk.

Minimal pruning is required—simply remove damaged or stray branches as needed.

Feed lightly with a balanced evergreen fertilizer in early spring if desired.