Also known as hinoki falsecypress, hinoki cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) is a tall evergreen conifer native to Japan that is notable for its aromatic leaves and peeling, reddish bark. Thanks to their compact size, the tree's three dwarf cultivars, "Nana," "Nana Gracilis," and "Nana Lutea," are far more commonly cultivated in the home garden than the wild species.
"Nana" is the smallest of the three dwarves, generally reaching a mature height of between 1 to 3 feet with a spread between 2 to 3 feet. It may take the exceptionally slow-growing "Nana" a decade to grow its first 9 inches, according to the Missouri Botanical Garden. "Nana" showcases rich green, finely textured foliage and a mature growth habit that is flat on top rather than conical or pyramidal.
Thanks to their similar appearance, "Nana Gracilis" and "Nana" are frequently mixed up in the nursery trade."Nana Gracilis" reaches much taller heights by dwarf standards, growing to a height of about 3 feet in its first decade before ultimately reaching a mature height of between 6 to 10 feet. The shrub eventually graduates from a compact, stout shape to a pyramidal or conical habit. Its spread is typically between 2 to 4 feet.
Also known as Golden Dwarf Hinoki Cypress, "Nana Lutea" may grow to be up to 6 feet tall in its first decade, with a spread of about 4 feet. However, it is more commonly seen at a height of between 18 to 36 inches. Developed from the "Nana Gracilis" cultivar, Golden Lutea is notable for its new growth, which remains a shade of yellowish gold throughout the growing season. Yellow growth eventually shifts to green, creating a two-toned appearance. Mature shrubs have an upright, irregular pyramidal habit.
"Nana" and "Nana Gracilis" are suitable for U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 8, while the slightly less cold hardy "Nana Lutea" does best in USDA zones 5 to 9. All three dwarves do best in partial to full sun with moist, well-draining soil. Pruning can be damaging to new growth, and is best done to remove dead, damaged or diseased branches. Poorly draining soils, excessive watering and pests such as bagworms are detrimental to the dwarves' growth and health.
- Missouri Botanical Garden: Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Nana Gracilis'
- North Carolina State University: Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Nana'
- Missouri Botanical Garden: Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Nana'
- Monrovia: Golden Dwarf Hinoki Cypress
- Great Plant Picks: Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Nana’
- Pacific Northwest Plants: Nana Lutea Hinoki Falsecypress
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