Chamaecyparis Obtusa Crippsii #3

Bringing the Sunshine (Even on Cloudy Days)

Sometimes our landscapes can get a little… monotonous. When you look out the window and see nothing but a sea of dark green, you might feel like your yard needs a little wake-up call.

Enter the 'Crippsii' Golden Hinoki Cypress.

This isn't just another evergreen; it’s a brilliant, golden pyramid that looks like it’s glowing, even when the sun goes down behind Pilot Mountain.

What makes this tree a favorite around here isn't just the color -- it’s also the texture. The branches form layered, fern-like sprays that twist and turn, giving the tree an almost architectural look. Plus, unlike some conifers that feel like a pincushion, this cypress is soft and feathery.

In the Mount Airy, King, and Winston-Salem area, this is the tree you plant when you want to make a statement without doing a lot of work. It’s slow-growing and well-behaved, meaning you won't be out there hacking it back every other weekend.

Why we recommend them for NC Piedmont Triad yards:

• Golden Hour All Day: The outer foliage is a vibrant, bright yellow that deepens to a rich gold in the inside. It holds this color through winter, ensuring your yard doesn't look drab in January.

• The 'Polite' Neighbor: This isn't a monster tree that will eat your house. It grows slowly into a graceful pyramid, making it respectful of space in smaller suburban yards or tight garden beds.

• Touchably Soft: Because the foliage is soft and fern-like, it’s safe to plant near entryways or patios where guests might brush past it. No scratches here!

• Deer Resistant: While no plant is 100% deer-proof if the deer are hungry enough, the Hinoki Cypress is generally ignored by our local foragers.

Best Used For: A stunning focal point (specimen plant), brightening up a dark corner, flanking a front door, or adding contrast to a rock garden.

Planting & Care

The 'Crippsii' is a moderate grower, eventually reaching 8–15 feet tall and 4–6 feet wide after many years. It loves the sun (which helps keep that gold color bright), but in our hot NC summers, it appreciates a well-draining spot that doesn't turn into a swamp.

For more details on how this golden beauty performs in our climate, check out the NC State Extension Plant Toolbox [Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Crippsii'] or stop by and ask our nursery team for the best planting spot in your yard.