Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Melody' / Melody Hinoki cypress

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Melody' is a upright growing dwarf selection of Hinoki cypress with lacy, brilliant, lemon-yellow foliage that resists burning if full sun. After 10 years of growth, a mature specimen will measure 3 feet (1 m) tall and 2 feet (60 cm) wide, an annual growth rate of 3 to 4 inches (7.5 - 10 cm).

This cultivar, despite being a relatively recent addition to the nursery trade is of unknown origin. It is thought to have originated as a branch mutation on Ch. obtusa 'Graciosa' somewhere in the USA.

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Melody' — a nice mature specimen.
Photo by Bill Barger
Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Melody' — plants grown in full sun will be much lighter in color.
Photo by Bill Barger
Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Melody' — a closeup of foliage detail.
Photo by Bill Barger
Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Melody' — a closeup of foliage detail.
Photo by Bill Barger

Comments

Paul Jones

For your records, I selected Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Melody'. The seedling dates back to 1981, and the seed was from C.o. 'Graciosa', which was growing in close proximity to 'Nana Lutea', 'Nana aurea', and various other golden selections. I shared the selection with Tony Avent of Plant Delights nursery, probably in the late 90s, and its spread was from there. It's a very unique cultiver, as were some others from that lot of seed, but I held them back for various reasons.

Paul Jones

Reply