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Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Pygmaea Argentea' (v)

Lawson's cypress 'Pygmaea Argentea'

'Pygmaea Argentea' is a slow-growing dwarf conifer forming a small rounded bushy shrub to 2m in height, with dark blue-green foliage variegated with white at the tips, especially in spring

Synonyms
Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Backhousiana'
Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Backhouse Silver'

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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Blue Green White
Summer Blue Green White
Autumn Blue Green White
Winter Blue Green White
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or North–facing or East–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Cupressaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Chamaecyparis are evergreen trees, usually of narrowly ovoid or columnar outline, with much-branched sprays of small scale-like leaves, and small, globose cones; tiny red male cones are conspicuous in a few cultivars

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grows well in moist but well-drained soil. Tolerant of chalk soils but prefers slightly acidic soil. Slow growing. Suitable for rock garden

Propagation

Propagate by grafting and semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

No pruning required, but shaped subjects, including hedges, will need trimming twice a year

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, juniper scale and shoot-boring moths

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus and Phytophthora root diseases

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