Hello,
I'm a big fan of the Hinoki Cypress, but I am moving to a town in zone 9a. As I understand it, all or most Hinoki Cypresses are okay up to zone 8. Is there anyway to reliably grow these by controlling the microclimate (shade, watering, etc...) in zone 9a?

Thanks

The prime consideration is whether or not they will get enough chilling to satisfy their dormancy needs, and that's something very few growers are willing to try to control. IOW, not many of us have access to a walk-in cooler that holds temperatures between 32-42*F, which is the temperature range at which chill units accumulate.

I'd call a few nurseries and try to get to someone who knows what they're talking about. I'd ask, "Do you think I can grow Chamaecyparis obtusa here without having to go through extraordinary effort to ensure long term viability?"

Al

I was thinking the same thing. Do you know what the winter temperatures are like in your new home? How about summer temperatures? I am thinking the summer heat may be a bigger problem then the winter cool. Try it but keep it in light shade. If you find a cooler microclimate in your new yard, you will know where to put the Hinoki Cypress.

Maybe the Bugeye could try to grow one on a trial basis or search thru the database here.

I'm in zone 8b and have beautiful Hinoki cypress growing just fine it has beautiful bark and 40' tall.

Also found others that grow in zone 9…
https://gardengoodsdirect.com/...

Or here…search the database .
Hinoki Cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Golden Fern')

I have a dwarf version in a pot under the oaks. After several years, its doing great

Thank you all for your responses.

I will be moving in mid-December, and I will find a knowledgeable local nursery as a start.

I'm thinking that I might try this in a container so that I can move it as needed and to experiment with what works best...