Chamaecyparis pisifera 'SUNGOLD' sawara 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.
Sungold is a low, broadly spreading cultivar of Sawara cypress with fine, thread‑like foliage of a vivid golden‑yellow colour. The foliage is soft and pendulous, forming an irregular, cushion‑shaped to cascading habit that appears light and relaxed. Colouration is most intense in full sun, where it develops rich golden to orange‑yellow tones; in partial shade it shifts towards light green. Growth is slow, and at maturity the plant typically reaches 0.6–1 m in height, with a considerably greater spread that often exceeds its height.
Sungold belongs to the Filifera Group, which comprises forms with predominantly adult foliage but with strongly reduced lateral branching. As a result, the main branchlets become elongated, terete and cord‑like, often pendulous in habit. The typical form Filifera develops as a low, wide tree or shrub with slender, drooping branches covering the entire outer surface of the crown and, under favourable conditions, may eventually reach considerable size. Golden‑foliaged forms of this group are generally slower growing and remain smaller, while dwarf forms retain a markedly compact stature. Sungold is a horticultural selection bred by W. Goddard at Floravista Nursery in California, introduced in 1969, selected for its stable golden colour and compact, garden‑worthy habit.
In the garden, Sungold is best used as a ground‑covering or low accent shrub in rock gardens, on slopes, in containers, or in modern plantings focused on structure and colour. It contrasts particularly well with dark green conifers, evergreen shrubs and stone elements. It performs best in a sunny position with well‑drained soil; pruning is generally unnecessary and limited to light corrective shaping if required. Thanks to its slow growth and low stature, it remains easy to maintain over the long term.
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 19-08-2011; 26-02-2026
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- STANDARD QUALITY - Plants of this group are 1st class quality with number of branches and overall density adequate to their size and age, considering they were container grown.
- DE LUXE QUALITY - This label guarantees a luxurious quality of manually selected plants that, compared to their height and age, are exceptionally dense and beautiful.
- EXTRA - These plants are usually mature and bigger specimens with exceptional overall appearance.
- STANDARD (as described in the plant form) means a tree with a trunk of 190-210 cm and a crown at the top, unless specified differently. The commercial size for trees is their girth measured in the height of 1m from ground.
- HOBBY - These plants are of the same quality as our standard-quality plants but younger and therefore cheaper.
- SHRUB - a woody plant with branches growing bushy from the ground level.
- HALF-STANDARD or MINI-STANDARD - a small tree with shorter trunk, its size is usually specified.
- FEATHERED - These are trees with branches growing already from the base of the trunk and up along the stem.
- GRASSES and PERENNIALS - Sizes given usually read the diameter of the pot or the clump, as specified.
