Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Filip's Golden Tears' / Filip's Golden Tears Lawson cypress

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Filip's Golden Tears' is a fantastic new selection of Lawson cypress. The tree's overall form is upright with all lateral branches strictly weeping; the branchlets are golden yellow, arranged in a delicate lacy pattern, typical of the species. Despite the golden foliage, 'Filip's Golden Tears' will not burn in full sun. After 10 years of growth, mature specimen will measure 20 feet (6 m) tall and 5 feet (1.5 m) wide, an annual growth rate of up to 24 inches (70 cm), creating a narrow exclamation point in the landscape.

Edwin Smits of Volkel, The Netherlands, developed this fine cultivar in 1996 through crossing Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Dik's Weeping' and 'Stewartii' He then named and registered the results 2008. It should be noted that Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Filip's Tearfull' is a sister seedling from 'Filip's Golden Tears' from the same seed lot.

This cultivar was registered through the ACS Conifer Registration program and accepted by the International Conifer Registry at the Royal Horticultural Society. It was also one of seven selections made in 2019 for the popular ACS Collectors' Conifer of the Year Program.

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Filip's Golden Tears' in a nursery display garden in The Netherlands.
Photo by Edwin Smits

Comments

Elaine Kavanagh

Hello,
I have the 2019 ACS plant Chamaecyparis ’Filip’s Golden Tears'. How long should I keep it staked before letting it weep? I have mine staked and it’s about 5’and wants to weep. I read they’re supposed to reach 20’tall. If I don’t put a taller stake in, will it weep and only be a short tree or continue to grow. Thanks for any info. Elaine Kavanagh

Reply

Maxwell Cohn

I would keep that stake in forever because the trunk seems to remain very light and delicate for many years. If you notice the picture above, the top couple of feet of plant will always nod over a bit, then straighten over time.

I have one that's nearly 20 feet tall, even though it's grown far beyond the 5-foot tall stake that remains by its side. It's definitely not going to stop growing at 20 feet tall either.

Reply