Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Aurea Nana' is a compact slow growing golden cypress valued for its mounding habit and fine threadlike foliage that maintains vibrant color through all seasons. Its dense globe like form offers year round structure and acts as a striking accent in mixed borders, foundation plantings, or rock gardens. This dwarf evergreen is especially prized for low maintenance landscapes and small space gardens.
Height & Spread: 24 - 36 in x 36 - 48 in
Bloom Time: Non flowering
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Preference: Moist, well drained soil
Watering Needs: Average; consistent moisture preferred, especially in heat
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant
Native Status
Although native to Japan, Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Aurea Nana' is well adapted to North American temperate landscapes, where it remains evergreen and structurally stable throughout winter months.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Birds
- Dense foliage provides protective cover and winter roosting shelter for small songbirds such as chickadees, sparrows, and wrens.
Beneficial Insects
- Provides habitat for ground beetles and lacewings that hunt pests among nearby plants.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Allow 36 - 48 in between plants for rounded mature form and airflow.
Landscape Placement:
- Excellent in foundation plantings, gravel gardens, or as golden mounding contrast in conifer borders.
Companion Plants
- Juniperus horizontalis 'Blue Chip' - Low spreading blue foliage contrasts with gold tones and mounds around the base.
- Lavandula angustifolia 'Munstead' - Drought tolerant lavender provides a soft purple and fragrant counterpart to the golden mound.
- Festuca glauca 'Elijah Blue' - Blue fescue tufts intersperse nicely among cypress for a dynamic foliage tapestry.
- Picea glauca 'Conica' - Upright dwarf spruce balances the rounded form of Gold Mop while enhancing textural diversity.
- Heuchera 'Caramel' - Warm toned ruffled leaves add color echoes and foliage variety under the canopy.