Maintenance Landscaping Design

False cypress shrub is a plant that is native to North America. This plant has many different names, such as false cypress, American holly, and winterberry. This plant is a very popular landscaping plant, due to its evergreen nature and its ability to tolerate a wide range of conditions. False cypress shrub is a very versatile plant, and can be used in many different ways in the landscape.

Alternative name

• Chamaecyparis pisifera
  
• Cupressus sempervirens
  
• Juniperus virginiana
  
• Thuja occidentalis
  
• Taxodium distichum

Things to Know

• False cypress shrubs are generally slow-growing.
  
• They can be evergreen or deciduous, depending on the species.
  
• False cypress shrubs can be used as foundation plants, hedges, or specimen plants.
  
• They are relatively low-maintenance.
  
• False cypress shrubs are tolerant of a wide range of soils and growing conditions.
  
• They are generally pest- and disease-resistant.
  
• False cypress shrubs have attractive, fine-textured foliage.
  
• The leaves of some species are fragrant.
  
• False cypress shrubs produce small, cones that are often used in floral arrangements.
  
• The wood of false cypress shrubs is sometimes used in woodworking projects.

Related plant:
False Heather

Growing Steps

1. For false cypress shrub, first step is to plant the seed in the ground in a sunny location.
   
2. Water the seed regularly, making sure the ground is moist but not soggy.
   
3. Once the seed germinates and sprouts a small plant, thin out the weaker seedlings so that only the strongest survive.
   
4. Fertilize the false cypress shrub regularly with a balanced fertilizer.
   
5. Prune the false cypress shrub regularly to encourage new growth and to keep the plant shapely.
   
6. When the false cypress shrub reaches the desired height, pinch back the tips of the branches to encourage bushier growth.
   
7. If the false cypress shrub starts to produce seed cones, remove them to prevent the plant from self-seeding.
   
8. Once the false cypress shrub is mature, it will need little additional care other than the occasional pruning and fertilization.
   
9. The false cypress shrub can be transplanted to a new location if necessary.
   
10. The false cypress shrub can also be propagated from cuttings taken from the tips of the branches.

Related plant:
False Spirea

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, false cypress prefers well-drained soils, but it is adaptable to different types of soil, including clay. It does not like wet or soggy soils. Amend heavy clay soils with organic matter to improve drainage.

Light requirement

So, like the other evergreen plants, the false cypress shrub needs sunlight to grow properly. However, this plant is more tolerant to shady areas than most other evergreens. If you live in an area with little sunlight, you can still grow a false cypress shrub without too much worry. Just make sure to give it some extra water and fertilizer to help it along.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition for a false cypress shrub is that it needs to be in an environment that is cool to cold. False cypress shrubs thrive in areas where the temperatures do not get too hot. They can tolerate some heat, but they will not do well in an area that is constantly hot.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% and above. The plant prefers well-drained soil and does not like to stay wet for long periods of time. If the soil is too dry, the leaves of the plant will start to turn brown and drop off.

Fertilizer Requirement

Regarding fertilizer, this family of plant does not require a lot. In fact, too much fertilizer will damage the false cypress. The best way to provide nutrients is to mix organic matter into the planting hole before putting the false cypress in it. You can also top-dress false cypress with compost every spring. As for watering, the false cypress does not like to be soggy. It is best to water the false cypress deeply but infrequently. This will encourage deep roots, which will make the false cypress more tolerant of drought.

Plant Pruning

Pruning a false cypress shrub is best done in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. This evergreen shrub can be pruned to maintain its shape, or to control its size. When pruning, be sure to make clean cuts at a 45-degree angle, just above a leaf or bud.

About Propagating

Propagation is the process of creating new plants from existing ones. False cypress shrubs can be propagated by rooting cuttings taken from the parent plant. The best time to take cuttings is in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, non-flowering stems. Each cutting should be 4-6 inches long and have 2-3 leaf nodes. Cuttings should be placed in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist until roots begin to form.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is very slow, averaging about 1/2 inch per year. Grows in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained, humus-rich soils. If a faster growth rate is desired, plant in spring in a sunny location with moist, well-drained soil.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are root and stem rot, which can be caused by overwatering or poor drainage. If the plant is infected, the leaves will turn yellow and the stems will be mushy. The plant may also be susceptible to fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew.

List to Know

• If you are growing a false cypress shrub from seed, start the seeds indoors in late winter or early spring.
  
• Sow the seeds on the surface of a moistened seed-starting mix and cover with a thin layer of the mix.
  
• Place the seed tray in a warm location and keep the mix moist.
  
• When the seedlings emerge, thin them so that only the strongest seedling in each cell remain.
  
• transplant the seedlings into individual pots when they have their first true leaves.
  
• Grow the seedlings under bright light and keep the soil moist but not soggy.
  
• Fertilize the seedlings monthly with a half-strength solution of an all-purpose fertilizer.
  
• When the seedlings are 6 to 8 inches tall, transplant them into the garden.
  
• Space the plants 18 to 24 inches apart.
  
• Water the

Related Plants

• Brown's false cypress
  
• Buckler-leaf false cypress
  
• Compacta false cypress
  
• Dwarf false cypress
  
• Fusiformis false cypress
  
• Goldcrest false cypress
  
• Monterey false cypress
  
• Nootka false cypress
  
• Rockport false cypress
  
• Sawara false cypress

Source:
False cypress gives standout performance | Mississippi State …
Hinoki Falsecypress | UMass Amherst Greenhouse Crops and …
Donna’s Plant of the Month – Hinoki Cypress | North Carolina ...