Chamaecyparis pisifera 'FILIP'S HAPPY DAY' false cypress
Chamaecyparis
The genus Chamaecyparis comprises a small group of coniferous trees native exclusively to eastern Asia and the western regions of North America. Botanically, it belongs to the cypress family and is characterised by its fine branch structure, scale‑like foliage and remarkable diversity of forms and colours, which has made it one of the most important genera of ornamental conifers. The genus was first formally described by Stephan Ladislaus Endlicher (1804–1849) in the first half of the nineteenth century, at a time when Europe was becoming increasingly familiar with the flora of the Far East. Fossil evidence suggests that the ancestors of modern false cypresses were once far more widely distributed, making the genus another example of woody plants that survived major climatic shifts in restricted refuges.
The Sawara cypress is native to Japan, where it grows mainly in mountainous regions of the islands of Honshu and Kyushu at elevations of approximately 400 to 1800 metres. Its specific epithet refers to the small, pea‑like cones it produces. The species was first scientifically described by Carl Peter Thunberg (1743–1828), one of Carl Linnaeus’s most prominent students, who reached Japan during a period of near total isolation from the outside world. In its homeland, the tree has long been traditionally used; its wood is valued for its lightness, durability and fine texture and has been employed in the construction of temples, shrines and traditional bathhouses. When crushed, the branchlets release a pleasant resinous scent. The tree is regarded as a symbol of calm and balance and is often planted near sacred sites; in Central Europe it is also commonly found in cemeteries. Unlike many other false cypresses, Chamaecyparis pisifera is exceptionally variable, which has led to the selection of numerous garden forms differing in habit and colour.
Filip’s Happy Day is a chance seedling of Plumosa Compressa sawara cypress from the year 2000 that evolved somewhat differently from its parent. It is characterised by flatter, finely layered branchlets of a rich green colour, pleasantly soft to the touch. In spring it produces fresh light‑green growth, with young shoots often tipped in creamy white, adding a subtle, lively accent. Growth is slow and, given the relatively young age of the cultivar, its ultimate height has not yet been firmly established; it is currently estimated at around one metre. The shrub forms a compact, gently domed habit that remains naturally balanced.
It is a handsome evergreen shrub well suited to rock gardens, small gardens and borders0 with smaller plants such as dwarf conifers, small‑leaved evergreen shrubs, or colourful rock plants and ground‑cover perennials. Thanks to its deep emerald‑green colour, it looks equally effective in bark mulch and in light‑coloured gravel, where its foliage stands out particularly well. Filip’s Happy Day functions as a calm, compact element that brings structure and freshness to plantings throughout the year, without the need for pruning or shaping.
Cultivation of sawara cypress is straightforward provided its basic requirements are met. It prefers acidic to neutral, humus‑rich and well‑drained soil with a constant supply of moisture, particularly during the first years after planting. Although it naturally occurs in alluvial soils with ample water, these sites never experience prolonged waterlogging, as excess water drains freely through permeable substrates. The plant does not tolerate drying out of the root ball. It thrives best in a sunny position, where its colouring remains most intense, but it will also tolerate light shade. Exposed, windy sites are unsuitable, not because of desiccation, but due to mechanical stress that can distort the fine, pendulous branches. Pruning is unnecessary and is carried out only rarely. Hardiness is excellent, withstanding temperatures down to around −34 °C (USDA zone 4) without damage.
Last update 31-01-2011; 25-02-2026
