Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Limerick' / Limerick Hinoki cypress

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Limerick' is a dwarf, upright tree form of Hinoki cypress with lemon-yellow foliage that resists burning in full sun. After 10 years of growth, a mature specimen will measure 5 feet (1.6 m) tall and 3 feet (1 m) wide, an annual growth rate of around 6 inches (15 cm).

This cultivar originated as a seedling selected in early 1980s by Paul Jones of North Carolina, USA. The seed source was C. obtusa 'Nana Aurea'. The name pays tribute for the plant's year round "limey" color. Plant Delights Nursery of Raleigh, NC is credited with introducing it to the nursery trade.

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Limerick' — plants grown in shadier places will appear more green than yellow.
Photo by Bill Barger
Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Limerick' — a nicely grown mature specimen in a large arboretum.
Photo by Bill Barger
Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Limerick' — a closeup of foliage detail.
Photo by Bill Barger
Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Limerick' — a closeup of foliage detail.
Photo by Bill Barger

Comments

Nancy

I'm loving this chamaecyparis. I planted a 4' plant three years ago in a partial shady woodland bed. It didn't grow much but I was patient. I lightly pruned some branch tips nad put compost on the root zone. This year, it has come alive and looks ready to make my garden its home. It has grown about a foot. It's delicate and interesting. Not bushy but very healthy on Cape Cod.

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Paul Jones

For your records, Limerick was a selection I made in the early 1980's. The lot of seed from which it was grown were produced on 'Nana Aurea', which was growing among a host of golden and green obtusa selections. The name was chosen because of the lime color prevalent in new growth, in Piedmont NC anyway. I'm pretty sure the selection was shared with Tony Avent of Plant Delights nursery, and it moved about from there.

Paul Jones

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