Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Snowkist' / Snowkist Hinoki cypress

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Snowkist' is a low growing, spreading dwarf selection of Hinoki cypress with attractive creamy variegation on dark-green foliage. Proper siting is critical for this plant. For best color, it requires ample irrigation and moderate exposure to sun. Too much shade results to little to no variegation while too much sun causes the creamy parts to scorch. After 10 years of growth, a mature specimen will measure 1.5 to 2 feet (50 - 60 cm) tall and somewhat wider, an annual growth rate of 2 inches (5 cm).

This cultivar originated as a branch mutation on a specimen of Ch. obtusa 'Tonia' found in the early 1970s by William Goddard and introduced to the nursery trade by Floravista Nursery, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Snowkist' — a very old, spreading specimen at the Flora Wonder arboretum, Gaston, Oregon.
Photo by David Olszyk
Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Snowkist' — at the ACS Reference Garden at Oregon Garden, Silverton. This plant is grafted on a standard for dramatic effect.
Photo by David Olszyk
Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Snowkist' A good rock garden accent with a habit lower than `Nana Gracilis' and slower. Interesting addition to a collection; its size will not overwhelm companion plants. Dark green with creamy-white variegated patches.
Photo by Iseli Nursery, Inc.
Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Snowkist' — a nicely grown mature specimen at a large arboretum.
Photo by Bill Barger
Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Snowkist' — a closeup of foliage detail.
Photo by Bill Barger
Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Snowkist' — a closeup of foliage detail on Talon's plant.
Photo by David Olszyk
Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Snowkist' — a closeup of foliage detail.
Photo by David Olszyk

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