All Species > Chamaecyparis picifera 'Boulevard'

Sawara Cypress

Soft, bluish foliage with pendulous character; slow grower, great for informal upright.

Seasonal Care Guide

Early Summer (Jun 1 – Jun 30)

  • Watering: Daily, especially during hot spells; avoid drought stress.
  • Fertilization: Low-nitrogen or organic feed every 2–3 weeks.
  • Repotting: Not recommended.
  • Pruning: Tip prune lightly for refinement; no heavy cuts.
  • Wiring: Monitor for wire bite; remove if swelling.
  • Defoliation: Not applicable to this species.
  • Bud Shoot Management: Trim elongated shoots; encourage backbudding.
  • Pests Disease: Aphids, mites, fungal problems—inspect underside of foliage.
  • Summer Protection: Provide afternoon shade or dappled sun in heat waves.
  • Wound Management: Avoid cuts unless necessary; risk of sap bleed and infection.
  • Deadwood Carving: Possible if wood is dry, but avoid high temps.
  • Propagation: Take softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings.
  • Development: Encourage density in pads; wire if needed.
  • Display: Avoid during intense heat or direct afternoon sun.

Mid Summer (Jul 1 – Aug 10)

  • Watering: Daily or more in extreme heat; monitor container dryness.
  • Fertilization: Continue light feeding; avoid nitrogen-heavy fertilizers.
  • Repotting: Do not repot in this phase.
  • Pruning: Minor tip trimming only.
  • Wiring: Remove wires if biting in; bark can scar easily now.
  • Bud Shoot Management: Stop active shoot management.
  • Pests Disease: Red spider mites and fungal blight common—treat promptly.
  • Summer Protection: Maintain shade during peak heat hours.
  • Wound Management: Do not cut unless essential.
  • Deadwood Carving: Avoid—wood dries too fast and tools can slip.
  • Propagation: Monitor cuttings; root development begins.
  • Development: Maintain health; no major interventions.
  • Display: Not recommended.

Late Summer (Aug 11 – Aug 31)

  • Watering: Begin slightly reducing frequency as temps cool.
  • Fertilization: Last feeding with low-N fertilizer.
  • Repotting: Still not advised.
  • Pruning: Remove weak or diseased shoots.
  • Wiring: Begin considering wiring for fall shaping if temps allow.
  • Bud Shoot Management: Halt trimming—let shoots harden.
  • Pests Disease: Begin pest clean-up for fall.
  • Winter Protection: Prepare mulch or cold-frame strategy.
  • Summer Protection: Phase out by end of month.
  • Wound Management: Sterilize tools and avoid late wounds.
  • Deadwood Carving: Safe again if temps drop and humidity rises.
  • Propagation: Harden off rooted cuttings.
  • Development: Observe growth direction and balance.
  • Display: OK only in temperate conditions.

Placement & Seasonal Notes

  • Placement: Full sun to partial shade
  • Notes: May bronze in winter sun - some shade helps.
  • Winter: Foliage may brown slightly; normal for species.
  • Summer: Requires frequent misting in hot, dry weather.

Leaf Traits

  • Persistence: Evergreen
  • Form: Conifer

Watering & Fertilization

  • Watering: Moderate
  • Notes: Needs humidity; avoid letting roots dry.
  • Season: Spring → Autumn
  • Fertilization: Balanced
  • Notes: Light feed due to slow metabolism.

Training Techniques

  • Wiring: Spring or Autumn
  • Notes: Use aluminum wire; bark is thin and sensitive.
  • Pruning: Structural in spring, maintenance summer
  • Notes: Trim candles and pinch new tips mid-summer.
  • Repotting: Every 2-3 years
  • Notes: Handle gently; roots are fragile when dry.

Propagation

  • Method: Cuttings or seed
  • Notes: Semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer root best.

Zone 8b Considerations

Avoid repotting in wet winter