Dwarf Hinoki Cypress

About this plant

The Dwarf Hinoki Cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Compacta') is a small, slow-growing evergreen conifer celebrated for its uniquely layered, fan-shaped foliage and rich, emerald-green color. Its naturally sculpted, irregular pyramidal form brings a touch of refined elegance, making it an excellent choice for rock gardens, container plantings, or as a sophisticated accent. Each branchlet features soft, scale-like leaves arranged in a captivating, architectural pattern, providing year-round interest and texture. This cultivar remains compact, making it ideal for smaller landscapes, urban gardens, or foundation plantings where a low-maintenance, distinguished evergreen is desired. 'A Cut Above' selects only the finest specimens, ensuring you receive a healthy, mature plant ready to thrive and enhance your outdoor sanctuary with its serene beauty for years to come.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Prefers well-drained, consistently moist, slightly acidic soil. Protect from harsh winter winds, especially in colder zones. Minimal pruning is required, primarily to maintain desired shape or remove any dead branches.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.