Chamaecyparis lawsoniana ‘Columnaris’

Description

Quick Facts
– Botanical Name: Chamaecyparis lawsoniana ‘Columnaris’
– Common Name: Lawson Cypress ‘Columnaris’
– Plant Type: Evergreen conifer
– Mature Height: Approx. 10m
– Mature Spread: Approx. 2-3m
– Foliage Colour: Light blue-grey, held in flattened, much-branched sprays of small scale-like leaves
– Cones: Small, globose cones
– Habit: Narrowly columnar, tightly upright and well furnished
– Hardiness: Fully hardy
– Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained, reasonably fertile; tolerates most soils but dislikes waterlogging
– Aspect: Full sun to partial shade
– Maintenance: Low: occasional light trim of new growth only

Description
Chamaecyparis lawsoniana ‘Columnaris’ is a striking, narrowly columnar evergreen that brings height and cool colour to the garden without taking up much room. The flattened, feathery sprays of light blue-grey foliage are made up of tiny scale-like leaves, giving the whole tree a soft, silvery texture that looks calm and elegant in every season.

Reaching around 10m, it forms a slim, upright column that is ideal where you want vertical drama, a living screen or a graceful backdrop. The blue-grey tones sit beautifully alongside greens, purples and whites, and they glow in soft light, particularly on a frosty winter morning.

Slender, silvery and wonderfully tidy, ‘Columnaris’ is a conifer with quiet presence.

Caragh Garden Notebook

Planting:
Plant in autumn or spring in moist, well-drained soil, adding well-rotted compost to the planting hole. Choose a sunny or lightly shaded position with shelter from strong, drying winds. Plant at the same depth as the pot, firm in gently and water in thoroughly. Stake young trees for the first year or two, especially in exposed gardens, so the slender column grows straight and true.

Watering:
Water regularly through the first two growing seasons, particularly in dry spells. Lawson cypress dislikes drying out completely, and prolonged drought can cause browning of the foliage, so a deep water in hot weather is worthwhile. In containers, check the compost often and never allow it to dry out.

Feeding:
Apply a balanced general fertiliser or a slow-release conifer feed in spring. A mulch of well-rotted compost or bark helps keep the roots cool and moist.

Seasonal Care & Tidy-Up:
Very little is needed. If you want to tidy the shape, trim lightly in spring or early summer, cutting only into the soft, green, current-season growth. Never cut back into old, brown wood, as it will not regrow and will leave permanent bare patches.

Pests & Problems:
Generally healthy in the right position. Poorly drained or waterlogged soil is the main risk and can lead to root rot, which shows as browning foliage and general decline. Cypress aphids can occasionally appear in summer and are best treated early. Wear gloves when trimming, as the foliage can irritate sensitive skin.

Design Notes:
‘Columnaris’ is a superb choice for adding vertical structure in both formal and informal gardens. Plant a row for an elegant, narrow screen, or use a pair either side of a gate, doorway or garden vista for a smart, architectural effect. Its cool blue-grey colour works beautifully with burgundy foliage, silver planting and white flowers, and it makes a refined backdrop for borders. Because of its slim habit it suits smaller gardens where a broader tree would be overwhelming.

Propagation:
Named conifers are usually propagated from cuttings by specialist nurseries. For reliable colour and form, always source nursery-grown plants.