Cipresso di Lawson

Class

Pinopsida

Division

Pinophyta

Family

Cupressaceae

Order

Pinales

Genus

Chamaecyparis

Species

lawsoniana

Description

First-class evergreen conifer, up to 20 metres high. The high landscape value is conferred by the slender habit with dense fastigiate or pyramidal foliage. Suitable, either as a single specimen or in groups, for medium to large green areas such as gardens, parks as well as for hedges and rows. Rustic, it adapts to different soil and climate conditions, including those in urban areas.

Variety description

Elegant-looking, large, long-lived tree. Slender habit with a compact, almost columnar conical crown, close branching. Scaled leaves, shiny green with silvery highlights, blossoms discreetly and not very ornamental in spring. Grey bark, smooth then plaque-like. Solid root system, moderately deep and widespread in the soil. Very hardy and adapts to climatic variations, even in urban climates and parks. Prefers clay and sandy, drained soils, but grows well in all soil types. It is a species suitable for medium to large landscaped green areas in isolated form or small groups, parks, gardens and also for the formation of trees in rows both in parks and in driveways, but applying the right distance from carriageways. It belongs to the group of conifers that lends itself to widespread, multifunctional, ornamental and landscape use. Resistant to disease, it does not require pruning. It must never be topped or pruned.

Curiosities and special features

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana is present today with a wide assortment of cultivars, differing in height attained and colour shade of the foliage, some of which are also suitable for cultivation as bonsai.

Origin and distribution

Species native to a range extending from southwestern Oregon to northwestern California; first introduced to Europe in 1854 at the 'Lawson & Son Nursery' in Edinburgh from which it derives its specific epithet.

Leaf

The leaf, acute at the apex and appressed to the twig, is scaly.

Flowering period

Not showy spring flowering. Chamaecyparis lawsoniana is prized for its bearing and evergreen foliage.

Leaf colour

Solid-coloured, homogeneous, often bright green with silvery highlights.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 2 to 5 m, depending on the growing conditions.

Lifespan

Evergreen polyennial conifer.

Where to plant

With its multifunctional use, it is suitable as a plant for flower beds, planters, gardens and parks, large pots, hedges

Stem

The stem is woody with grey-brown bark, smooth at first and then plaque-like; the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is pom-pom-shaped, small, with a tubular corolla. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

Growth

Long-lived plant with vigorous growth.

Plant habit

The developed habitus is erect and slender with compact, almost columnar conical foliage.

Branching

The abundant and close branching allows for a dense and thick foliage.

PH

It requires a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

Soil preparation

Before transplanting at the beginning of winter, choose the most suitable location in relation to the needs of the plant and use a spade to make the planting hole at least one third the size of the root or root ball volume, removing any weeds and bulky pebbles. Bury sand if the soil is too compact and not draining, also add organic matter and level the soil well.

Sun exposure

Requires full sun exposure.

Ideal climate and temperature

It prefers mild climates. The ideal temperature is between 0.0 and 30 °C.

Use

It belongs to the group of conifers that lends itself to widespread, multifunctional use in:

Ornamental environment Ornamental outdoor use Landscaping

Hardiness

Ahighly rustic plant, it adapts to climatic variations even in urban areas.

Soil

It adapts to different types of soil as long as it is light, well draining and has organic matter.

Difficulty

Following proper establishment in the new planting site, the cultivation of Lawson's Cypress is fairly easy, requiring a low level of management effort.

Growing tips

Here are some specific cultivation measures to achieve better vegetative growth:

Balanced fertilisation Requires abundant but no stagnant watering Exposure to direct light Correct pruning

Planting

For transplanting, adopt an average density of 1000 plants/ha, choosing healthy specimens, free from abiotic and biotic stress conditions. Always identify the planting site in advance in relation to the growth conditions required by the species according to the principle of 'the right plant in the right place'.

It is advisable to place the root ball in the previously dug planting hole, keeping it well compacted around the root and keeping the plant collar off the soil surface, and to water immediately after planting without causing water stagnation. Tie the stake correctly to the plant. It is advisable to distribute a layer of mulch to limit the development of weeds and maintain constant soil moisture.

Pruning

It must never be topped or pruned. Indiscriminate cutting of stems and branches by 'topping' not only results in an alteration of the natural habitus of the plant, but also leads to a lower resistance to biotic and abiotic agents as well as to a greater danger of the entire specimen failing.

Propagation

Propagation is by cuttings or by seed.

Watering

When transplanting, assist the plant to allow it to develop its root system in the best possible way in the new site by keeping it at a constant humidity free of water stagnation and dryness. Afterwards, prevent water saturation conditions and give quantities with frequencies and doses also commensurate with the climatic trend during the different seasons.

Fertilising

When transplanting, carry out a background fertilisation by applying organic or slow-release chemical fertiliser specifically for ornamental plants to the soil. After planting at the new site, apply a balanced fertiliser to the soil during the spring-summer period.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Tip

Fertilise periodically and prune to shape the plants. Do not prune the apex but only the side branches in order to maintain good branching in balance with the vertical growth.