Chamaecyparis Nootkatensis Pendula or Weeping Nootka Cypress

Chamaecyparis Nootkatensis Pendula, or Weeping Nootka Cypress, is a refined evergreen conifer with an attractive pendulous habit. Botanically it is synonymous with Xanthocyparis Nootkatensis Pendula. 

The Xanthocyparis Nootkatensis family of Cypress is native to Pacific Coastal North America. The species is named after the Nootka Sound between Vancouver Island and the mainland. It is the most cold-resistant of the Cypress family and makes an excellent coastal plant. 

Xanthocyparis Nootkatensis Pendula is recognised for its weeping habit. The main leader rises upright while the lateral branches descend gracefully, forming loose drapes of bright green foliage that move softly in the wind.

The foliage remains vivid through every season, providing fresh spring growth, rich summer greenery, and winter depth. In autumn, its layered texture catches low sunlight beautifully, maintaining year-round garden presence. For companion planting, it combines naturally with Japanese Maples, Rhododendrons, and Cornus species, which contrast with its vertical elegance and evergreen strength.

Introduced in the Netherlands during the 1880s, this elegant cultivar has been admired in gardens worldwide for more than a century. Its Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society acknowledges its reliability, ornamental grace, and adaptability to diverse climates.

Dimensions

• Height (10 years): 3 m
• Spread (10 years): 1.5 m
• Growth Rate: Moderate

Its narrow pyramidal structure ensures a refined silhouette suitable for confined spaces or layered garden compositions.

Uses in Garden Design:

Chamaecyparis Nootkatensis Pendula is prized for creating vertical accents and natural movement in gardens. Its softly falling branches complement still water, rock gardens, and woodland borders. As an excellent coastal plant, it endures wind, salt, and exposure where other conifers struggle.

For companion planting, it pairs well with structural evergreens such as Taxus baccata and Ilex aquifolium, and with flowering shrubs like Viburnum plicatum and Hydrangea Paniculata, adding textural and seasonal contrast around its permanent framework. Its evergreen consistency ensures visual interest through spring, summer, autumn, and winter alike.

Care & Maintenance

• Pruning: Minimal – remove only damaged or crossing branches.
• Position: Full sun to light shade; highly tolerant of coastal conditions.
• Soil: Moist, well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic soils preferred.
• Hardiness: Excellent; one of the most cold-resistant cypresses.
• Watering: Moderate during establishment; low maintenance thereafter. 

Chamaecyparis Nootkatensis Pendula, the Weeping Nootka Cypress, is a living sculpture of strength and elegance. With its cascading foliage, evergreen colour, and superb winter hardiness, it provides dependable structure in all seasons. The RHS Award of Garden Merit underscores its exceptional garden performance and enduring beauty.