Sawara cypress ‘Sungold’ 20cm (Bonsai Bowl)

Sawara Cypress ‘Sungold’ – Chamaecyparis pisifera is a stunning evergreen conifer that brings golden colour to your garden throughout the year. This compact, slow-growing tree suits smaller spaces, rockeries, or mixed borders beautifully. Its bright, thread-like foliage creates a soft, feathery texture that catches the light wonderfully, particularly in morning and evening sun. The ‘Sungold’ variety is particularly eye-catching, with its vibrant yellow-gold needles that maintain their colour throughout the seasons.

This low-maintenance tree is ideal for busy gardeners or those new to growing conifers. It’s hardy and adaptable, thriving in most well-drained soils and tolerating both full sun and partial shade. In sunnier spots, the golden hues become more intense, creating a dazzling display. The Sawara cypress ‘Sungold’ also makes an excellent choice for container gardening, allowing you to bring its cheerful presence to patios, balconies, or entryways.

As it matures, this tree develops a lovely conical shape, reaching a modest height of about 1-1.5 metres over 10 years. This slow growth rate means it won’t outgrow its space, making it a reliable choice for long-term garden planning. The dense foliage of the Sawara cypress ‘Sungold’ also provides a cosy shelter for small birds and wildlife, adding ecological value to your garden.

Originally from Japan, the Sawara cypress has been cultivated for centuries and prized for its ornamental qualities. The ‘Sungold’ cultivar brings a modern twist to this classic tree, offering a brighter, more vivid option for contemporary gardens. Its golden needles create a lovely contrast when planted alongside deep green or blue-tinted conifers, or when set against red or purple-leaved shrubs.

Whether you’re looking to add year-round colour, create structure in your garden, or simply enjoy a low-fuss, attractive plant, the Sawara cypress ‘Sungold’ is an excellent choice. Its versatility, visual appeal, and easy care requirements make it a favourite among gardeners of all experience levels.

Sawara Cypress ‘Sungold’ is relatively easy to care for. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained, slightly acidic soil, but adapts well to various soil types. Water regularly during the first growing season to help it establish, then maintain consistent moisture while tolerating short dry spells. Feed with a slow-release, balanced fertiliser in spring if desired, though it generally needs little feeding. Pruning isn’t usually necessary unless you want to maintain a specific shape or size. If you need to prune, do it in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres

Time to ultimate height
10–20 years

Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres

🇬🇧 UK Grown in Lancashire. Approx 20cm – 20cm tall in a bonsai bowl.