Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'STARDUST'

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.

Stardust is a variety with almost flat needles of pale green colour near the main stem, grading to greenish-yellow towards the bright golden-yellow ends of the branches which tend to droop slightly as they grow longer. It has pyramidal form, wide at the base. Medium growth rate. It has pyramidal form, wide at the base. Medium growth rate.

It is very hardy, but still we recommend planting coloured varieties in sheltered locations if you live in mountainous regions or frost pockets so that the cypress is protected from the worst winds and winter sun. All plants will survive but might look unsightly in the spring. Pruning can be done in early spring or in late autumn. It is tolerant of all types of pruning. It prefers moist, slightly acidic soil but is widely adaptable.

Last update 15-02-2009; 20-01-2010