Golden Mop Sawara Cypress

About this plant

The Golden Mop Sawara Cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Golden Mop') is a show-stopping evergreen that brings brilliant, year-round color to any landscape. Its distinctive thread-like needles emerge a vivid chartreuse, maturing to a rich golden yellow that truly glows, especially when bathed in sunlight. The graceful, weeping form and finely textured foliage create an elegant, flowing appearance, making it an excellent focal point or a captivating addition to mixed borders. Ideal for rock gardens, foundation plantings, or as a vibrant accent, 'Golden Mop' maintains its compact, mounding shape with minimal pruning. Its striking color provides exceptional contrast against darker evergreens or burgundy foliage, adding a dynamic layer of interest to your garden through all seasons. This cultivar is particularly prized for its resilience and adaptability, offering beauty without demanding extensive care. Beyond its visual appeal, 'Golden Mop' contributes to a well-structured landscape with its consistent form and enduring color. It's a fantastic choice for gardeners seeking a distinctive evergreen that provides continuous interest and a touch of golden brilliance to their outdoor spaces.

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

Requires minimal pruning to maintain its shape; trim any errant branches in late winter or early spring. Protect from harsh winter winds in exposed locations to prevent foliar burn. Fertilize lightly in spring with a balanced evergreen fertilizer.

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.