Chamaecyparis Nootkatensis Pendula Weeping Alaskan Cypress

Chamaecyparis Nootkatensis Pendula is a beautiful weeping evergreen conifer and one of the most cold-resistant conifers of the Cypress (Chamaecyparis) family. This weeping variery was bred as far back as the 1880s in Holland. 

Botanically, the Chamaecyparis Nootkatensis family of conifers is synonymous with Xanthocyparis Nootkatensis. The common names are Nootka Cypress or the Alaska Yellow Cypress (or Cedar). The Nootkatensis Cedar family is native to the pacific Coast of North America from Alaska right down to Northern California & named after the Nootka Sound between Vancouver Island and the mainland.
This variety - Chamaecyparis Nootkatensis Pendula (Weeping Nootka Cypress) -  has a pendulous or weeping shape hence the terms ‘pendula’ and ‘weeping’ in its name. It can be referred ot botanically as Xanthocyparis Nootkatensis Pendula. Common names include Weeping Nootka Cypress and Weeping Alaskan Cypress.

Weeping Alaskan Cypress is an upright evergreen conifer with well-spaced branches that hang lower at the tips with secondary branches drooping vertically with green foliage creating a graceful effect. As the tree matures, it produces small purple cones that take several years to develop.

Height And Spread Of Chamaecyparis Nootkatensis Pendula
Xanthocyparis Nootkatensis Pendula will grow to a maximum height of 3-4 metres and 1.5 metres wide over ten years.

How Hardy Is Chamaecyparis Nootkatensis Pendula
Xanthocyparis Nootkatensis Pendula is very hardy down to sub-zero temperatures if its roots are kept well-drained. It is one of the most cold-resistant evergreens you can buy. Once established it is drought resistant and relatively pest-free.

How To Use Chamaecyparis Nootkatensis Pendula
Weeping Nootka Cypress is a great choice for all-year-round colour. It mixes well with other evergreens as its unusual draping foliage contrasts with sharper needled styles of conifer.

Weeping Alaskan Cypress looks graceful as a specimen tree or as part of a mixed hedge line in both cottage gardens and modern courtyards. It’s a good alternative to native weeping willow that needs consistently wetter soil.

This is also a good choice for wildlife gardens as it provides constant shelter and shade with minimal effort.

How To Care For Chamaecyparis Nootkatensis Pendula
Weeping Nootka Cypress prefers a sunny spot but will tolerate partial shade too. It will grow in the majority of soils so long as it is moist but well-drained.
Adding a yearly mulch to its roots will ensure healthy growth and vibrant green foliage shades.
No pruning is necessary, but you can clip back Weeping Nootka Cypress’s foliage to keep it neat or remove branches to maintain its size.
Be sure to water young trees well especially in hot spells. Lack of water is the number one killer of newly planted trees.