Hinoki Cypress ‘Nana Lutea’ (2L)

Chamaecyparis obtusa is commonly referred to as the Hinoki cypress or Japanese cypress, native to Japan. Among its many cultivars, ‘Nana Lutea’ is a very distinctive one.

‘Nana Lutea’ is particularly admired for its golden-yellow foliage, which tends to become more vibrant with exposure to full sun. The leaves are scale-like and tend to arrange themselves in fan-like sprays, giving the plant a dense, textured appearance.

Being a dwarf cultivar, ‘Nana Lutea’ grows slowly and maintains a compact size. It typically forms a rounded, almost globe-like shape over time. Given many years, it can achieve a height of several feet, but its growth rate is such that it remains manageably small for a long time.

Like other Chamaecyparis obtusa varieties, ‘Nana Lutea’ prefers well-drained soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types as long as they don’t retain excessive moisture. While it can thrive in full sun, which maximizes its golden hue, it also does well in partial shade.

Thanks to its stunning golden colour and compact form, ‘Nana Lutea’ is a favourite for accentuating rock gardens, borders, or even as a stand-alone specimen in a pot or container. It’s also used in mixed plantings to provide a colour contrast with other plants.

Generally low-maintenance, ‘Nana Lutea’ rarely requires pruning due to its slow growth rate. Regular watering is essential during its early years and in prolonged dry spells, but it’s essential not to let the plant sit in soggy soil.

Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Nana Lutea’ is very hardy and can withstand cold temperatures down to -20C.

Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres

Time to ultimate height
10–20 years

Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres

🇬🇧 UK Grown in Lancashire. Approx 10cm – 20cm tall in a 2 litre pot.