Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'SNOW WHITE'

Lawson cypress is native to northwestern America, from Oregon to northern California. It was first discovered by European Americans near Port Orford, Oregon, and was introduced to horticultural market in 1854. It was described by the Scottish botanist Andrew Murray (1812-1878) and named after another Scottish botanist and merchant, Charles Lawson (1795-1873), who became famous by importing new plant species from America to Britain. This cypress tree was one of his discoveries. It is a hardy, evergreen conifer with soft, scale-like needles. Perhaps all over the world in temperate climates, it is widely planted in gardens and parks and is popular for its variability. There are many colourful varieties that brighten up compositions of dark green shrubs and trees and perform also in decorative outdoor containers.

Snow White is a mistress of 7 dwarfs but where are they? Perhaps at Oregon State University that bred a whole range of those dwarf or compact Lawson cypress varieties in 1980’s called The Guardian^® Series. Snow White is a picturesque Lawson cypress selection with mid green or almost blue green colour and small, creamy white new growths that make it look as if covered with stardust. The leaves are tiny and the branches are soft to touch.

It grows slowly into a teardrop or conical shape and needs no pruning to be dense. Still, you can shape in any way you wish, best in April or in midsummer.

Lawson cypress prefers moist but well-drained, slightly acidic soil but is adaptable to almost all types of soil. Grow it in full sun or half shade either in a garden bed or in an outdoor pot. Fully hardy to about -28°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 06-02- 2013