Chamaecyparis obtusa '22 Karat' / 22 Karat Hinoki cypress

Chamaecyparis obtusa '22 Karat' is a miniature, cushion-shaped selection of Hinoki cypress, with congested, radiating branches. Foliage consists of green-tipped sprays, lightening to gold toward the middle, and finally nearly white at the centers. The effect is absolutely stunning. After 10 years of growth, a mature specimen will measure 12 inches (30 cm) tall and wide, an annual growth rate of around 1 inch (2.5 cm).

Proper siting is critical for success in growing this conifer. If planted in too much shade, the variegation will become muted to solid green, while too much sun will scorch the variegation. Morning sun / afternoon shade is the best recommendation for success.

This cultivar is of unknown origin. One of it's first known mentions is in the Stanley & Sons Nursery online catalog from 2009. Given the Germanic spelling of Karat, one can assume that it originally came from Europe.