Chamaecyparis lawsoniana "Dzintra"

• Height: varies by cultivar, species 10–30 m in the wild
• Spread: 1–3 m depending on age
• Habit: conical to columnar
• Foliage: green, flat fan-shaped sprays
• Light: full sun to part shade
• Soil: moist, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral
• Hardiness: USDA 5–7, sheltered site in Estonia
• Growth: moderate
• Use: hedge, group, container
• Data: species data; confirm cultivar traits at planting

Planting. Plant in spring (April–May) or early autumn while the soil is still warm. Choose a sunny or lightly shaded, sheltered position; dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball, keep the root collar level with the soil and space plants 1–1.5 m. Water in generously and mulch with bark or wood chips 5–7 cm deep.

Care. Lawson cypress dislikes dry air and winter desiccation, so keep the soil evenly moist. Avoid waterlogging and a dry root ball, especially during the first two years; weed by hand and do not dig deeply, as conifer roots sit close to the surface.

Watering and feeding. In dry weather water once every 7–10 days (10–15 L per plant) and give a deep autumn watering before the freeze. Feed in spring with a conifer fertiliser containing magnesium and again in June; stop nitrogen from August.

Winter care and pruning. It overwinters in a sheltered place without cover; protect young plants with spruce branches for the first 2–3 winters. Shade young plants with light fleece in March–April against bright sun and shake heavy wet snow off the branches. Trim lightly in April if needed and never cut back into bare wood.