Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Baldwin Variegated' / Baldwin Variegated Hinoki cypress

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Baldwin Variegated' is an exceptionally attractive irregular upright selection of Hinoki cypress with species-typical branch structure and amazing white variegation splashed all over the plant. Some of the cup-like sprays of foliage are dark green, while others are pure white and some are a combination of both. One notable drawback of this conifer is that the white foliage burns badly when exposed to sun for any more than a short period of time.

After 10 years of growth, a mature specimen will measure 30 inches (50 cm) tall and two-thirds as wide, an annual growth rate of 2 to 3 inches (5 - 7.5 cm).

This cultivar originated as a color sport found in the mid-1960s on a specimen of the venerable Ch. obtusa 'Nana Gracilis' by Joel W. Spingarn of Baldwin, Long Island, New York, USA.

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Baldwin Variegated' — a nearly perfect specimen at the Flora Wonder arboretum, Gaston, Oregon.
Photo by David Olszyk
Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Baldwin Variegated' — a closeup of foliage detail.
Photo by David Olszyk

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