The Compact Shrub That's Easy To Maintain And Is Perfect To Grow In Containers

Imagine for a moment that the plant kingdom is actually a kingdom, with roses reigning as empresses, hydrangeas attending the throne, and boxwood hedges standing formal guard at the palace. Tucked away at the edge of the royal court is a lesser-known evergreen playing the role of the lost princess. Chamaecyparis obtusa, also known as hinoki cypress or hinoki false cypress, includes many decorative cultivars that are valued for their evergreen color, fine foliage, and low-maintenance growth. Yet even among other evergreens, hinoki cypresses don't enjoy the same popularity as junipers and arborvitae. Of the many easy-to-grow cultivars, there is one that brings the lost princess archetype to life the best: 'Night Light' hinoki cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Conschlecht').

Chamaecyparis, also known as Hinoki cypress or Hinoki-false cypress, is one of the evergreen shrubs to brighten up your yard throughout the entire year. 'Night Light' hinoki cypress has golden-green foliage throughout the growing season that turns to bronze or chartreuse in the cooler months. With its compact, round growth habit, this plant is perfect for containers in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 8. Since it will have limited root space, it will need minimal pruning over the years if it's kept in a container. As a foundation planting, this shrub is easy to maintain at about 3 or 4 feet tall, although it can eventually reach up to 30 feet tall and 15 feet wide. However, this takes many years because it is a slow-growing, sturdy plant.

If you're familiar with these plants, you know that false cypresses can be prone to burning in direct sun. According to Jim Putnam from HortTube, the 'Night Light' hinoki cypress cultivar is known for being resistant to burn, a feature that makes it a better choice than other Chamaecyparis obtusa cultivars for sunny locations. He also suggests planting this cultivar in full sun to part shade to maintain its glorious color. 

There are many beautiful plants that grow well with false cypresses. With the golden yellow foliage of 'Night Light' hinoki cypress, you can create striking color combinations in your yard using everything from petunias to other evergreen shrubs. Whether you're planting this lively little shrub in the ground or in a pot, it goes well with other colorful shrubs, such as 'Purple Daydream' dwarf Loropetalum, a vibrant evergreen shrub that's perfect for small gardens and privacy hedges.

While the highly versatile 'Night Light' hinoki cypress can accompany many other plants in your flower beds and rock gardens, it can also stand alone as an accent on your lawn. If you have the space, you can allow it to get as big as you like. For a winter garden that offers early spring interest, pair 'Night Light' hinoki cypress with shrubs like witch hazel or flowering bulbs like crocus. The bright pops of color in a late-winter or early-spring garden can be among the most exciting of the year.