How to Grow and Care for Elwoodii Cypress

Elwood’s Lawson Cypress is a slow-growing evergreen valued for its distinct appearance and versatility. It provides year-round structure and can be used as a standalone specimen plant or integrated into hedges and screens. Its low-maintenance nature makes it a reliable choice for many garden designs.

Elwoodii Cypress Characteristics

Known scientifically as Chamaecyparis lawsoniana ‘Elwoodii’, this conifer is one of the oldest varieties still in cultivation. It is identified by its soft, feathery foliage that grows in short, vertical sprays, giving the plant a textured appearance. The foliage displays a silver-blue or blue-green color, which deepens to a more intense steel-blue during the winter months, adding seasonal interest.

The Elwoodii cypress maintains a naturally neat, columnar or conical shape as it grows. This upright habit is a great choice for adding vertical lines to a landscape. It has a dense growth pattern and is slow-growing, typically adding only a few inches of height per year. Over a decade, it might reach a height of about six feet, making it suitable for smaller gardens or container planting.

Growing Elwoodii Outdoors

For successful outdoor cultivation, the Elwoodii cypress should be planted in appropriate conditions. It is best suited for USDA hardiness zones 5 through 8, tolerating winter temperatures down to -20°F. It thrives in locations that receive full sun to partial shade, though some protection from harsh afternoon sun is beneficial in hotter climates. A sheltered location is recommended to protect it from strong winds.

The soil for an Elwoodii must be moist but well-drained. While it can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay, sand, and loam, it performs best in slightly acidic soil. Good drainage is important to prevent root issues. When planting, the hole should be twice as wide as the root ball. Newly planted trees require consistent moisture, while established trees have more average water needs.

Given its slow growth, planning for its eventual size is manageable. An Elwoodii cypress can reach a mature height of 13 to 20 feet with a spread of 5 to 8 feet. This size makes it versatile for different landscape uses, such as a specimen plant, a privacy screen or hedge, or in rock gardens.

Keeping Elwoodii Indoors

The Elwoodii cypress is often sold as a “living Christmas tree” for indoor use, but this environment presents challenges. Indoors, it requires a spot with very bright, indirect light, such as near a south-facing window. Rotating the plant periodically helps ensure all sides receive adequate light for even growth.

Watering a container-grown Elwoodii correctly is a delicate balance. The soil should be watered thoroughly, but allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings to avoid overwatering. The pot must have drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating at the bottom, which can lead to decay.

These cypresses appreciate a more humid environment than is found in a home, especially during winter. Misting the foliage regularly or placing the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water can help increase local humidity. While it can be enjoyed indoors for a season, long-term survival is difficult, and it is best to move the plant outdoors after the holidays.

Common Problems and Solutions

One of the most frequent issues with Elwoodii cypress is the browning of its foliage. This can be caused by several factors, including underwatering, overwatering, or low humidity indoors. Winter burn from cold, drying winds can also cause browning on outdoor specimens.

Root rot is a serious condition that results from overwatering or planting in soil with poor drainage. The roots are deprived of oxygen and begin to decay, which is often fatal. Ensuring the soil is well-draining and avoiding waterlogged conditions is the primary way to prevent this issue, as advanced root rot is difficult to reverse.

Pest infestations can occur when the plant is stressed, particularly when kept indoors. Spider mites are a common pest that can cause foliage to become discolored, and these pests thrive in dry conditions. Aphids are another potential issue. Ensuring good air circulation and cleaning the foliage can help deter pests.