CHAMAECYPARIS lawsoniana ‘Wissel’s Saguaro’

Description

The Plant

The CHAMAECYPARIS lawsoniana ‘Wissel’s Saguaro’ (Lawson’s cypress) ranks among exceptional plants. Indeed, its extremely narrow and highly vertical growth habit is rarely found in the plant world. It will serve as an important structural element in any garden.

As a result, this connoisseur’s conifer has a very small footprint and grows much more slowly than the typical species. Even the smallest gardens will have room for this charming Lawson’s cypress.

Moreover, its irregular lateral branches give it an even more distinctive appearance. However, it can also be shaped into a simple column by removing them.

Furthermore, its foliage takes on a bluish hue, adding extra appeal by introducing a different color contrast to the predominantly green tones usually found in a garden.

Bonsai enthusiasts will be delighted to learn that this plant is perfectly suited to their art.

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How to plant and care for CHAMAECYPARIS lawsoniana ‘Wissel’s Saguaro’?

Planting

Despite being an easy-to-grow plant, consider the following points:

1. Plant it in partial shade or full sun. The more direct sunlight it receives, the bluer its foliage will be.
2. The location can range from fresh to moist, moderate, or dry, with an acidic, neutral, or calcareous pH.
3. The soil can be light, normal, or heavy.

For proper preparation of the planting hole, we have designed specific instructions available here.

Care

As previously mentioned, it is an easy-to-grow plant. However, ensure regular watering during dry periods for the first two years until it is well established. Furthermore, discover here how to water your garden and save water.

If you want to prune it, do so in February or March before the new growth, especially if you want to shape it into a column, as mentioned above.

History and Origin

The genus CHAMAECYPARIS lawsoniana, also known as Lawson’s cypress, originates from the humid coastal forests of the northwestern United States.

Around 1885, a particular form emerged in a forestry station in Tharandt, Germany. In 1888, it was named in honor of F. van der Wissel, a Dutch nurseryman, thus giving rise to the original cultivar known as ‘Wisselii’.

Later, in the Netherlands, a mutation (sport) emerged from the ‘Wisselii’ cultivar. This sport was then marketed under the name ‘Wissel’s Saguaro’ due to its sculptural silhouette, reminiscent of the shape of a saguaro, the iconic cactus of the American desert.

In summary, the CHAMAECYPARIS lawsoniana ‘Wissel’s Saguaro’ is an essential structural plant for gardens of all sizes, adding a touch of color with its bluish foliage. Finally, this plant will delight both collectors and bonsai enthusiasts.