Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Compacta’, commonly known as Compact Hinoki Cypress, is a slow-growing evergreen conifer valued for its dense form, rich green foliage, and refined, architectural appearance. This compact selection typically forms a broad, rounded to slightly pyramidal shape, making it well suited for foundation plantings, rock gardens, and small landscape spaces.

The foliage consists of tight sprays of dark green, fan-like needles that create a layered, textured look year-round. Its naturally compact habit and slow growth rate allow it to maintain a tidy appearance with little to no pruning, lending itself well to formal and contemplative garden designs.

Compact Hinoki Cypress grows best in full sun to part shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils. With proper siting and consistent moisture during establishment, it is a long-lived ornamental conifer that provides dependable evergreen structure and visual interest.

Why choose Compact Hinoki Cypress

Refined form: Dense, compact habit suits small spaces
Evergreen interest: Provides year-round structure and color
Low maintenance: Slow growth requires minimal pruning

Cultivating tips

Sun exposure: Full sun to part shade
Soil needs: Prefers moist, well-drained soils
Maintenance: Low—little pruning needed

Designs for your garden

Foundation plantings: Adds structure near buildings
Rock gardens: Scales well in smaller compositions
Formal landscapes: Complements clean, structured designs

Ecological benefits

Evergreen cover: Provides year-round shelter
Low-input shrub: Maintains form with minimal care
Structural value: Adds permanence to the landscape

Looking for Native Alternatives?

Juniperus virginiana – Eastern Red Cedar: Eastern Red Cedar is a native evergreen with a naturally dense habit and excellent adaptability. It provides year-round structure and functions well as a conifer alternative in a wide range of landscapes.

Ilex glabra Shamrock – Shamrock Inkberry: Shamrock Inkberry is a native evergreen shrub with a compact, rounded form. It offers dependable year-round structure in foundation plantings and shaded to partially shaded sites.

Kalmia latifolia – Mountain Laurel: Mountain Laurel is a native evergreen shrub with glossy foliage and a dense growth habit. It provides long-term structure and performs well in acidic soils and partially shaded landscapes.

Plant appearance may vary by season and growing conditions. All plants ship healthy with established root systems.