Woody > Chamaecyparis > Chamaecyparis obtusa > Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Chirimen'
Chamaecyparis obtusa
'Chirimen'
Origin: Japan.
Mike's
Opinion
"
Chirimen Hinoki falsecypress are unique conifers with the potential to be a bonsai specimen. Unlike many of the Chamaecyparis obtusa cultivars, the Chirimen offers an unusual form and texture that would surely add interest to any small, or rock garden, and even containers. Requiring minimal care makes this variety of dwarf available to novice gardeners looking for something rare. I would recommend this plant to anyone looking for an unusual, generally pest resistant specimen to add as a conversation piece to their garden.
Michael Pascoe, NDP., ODH., CLT., MSc. (Plant Conservation)
"
| Family |
| Cupressaceae |
| Genus |
| Chamaecyparis |
| Species |
| obtusa |
| Cultivar |
| 'Chirimen' |
| Category |
| Woody |
| Type |
| Shrub (evergreen) |
| USDA Hardiness Zone |
| 5 - 9 |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone |
| 4b - 8b |
| RHS Hardiness Zone |
| H3 - H7 |
| Temperature (°C) |
| (-29) |
| Temperature (°F) |
| (-20) |
| Height |
| 0.6 - 0.8 m |
| Spread |
| 0.6 - 1.5 m |
Photographs
Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
| General Description |
| Chirimen Hinoki falsecypress are known as a dwarf specimen with bonsai potential and an irregular growth habit. Fairly drought tolerant, this cultivar is easy to maintain as long as it is getting adequate light and drainage. Named after the wrinkly silk fabric that has been used to make Japanese kimonos, this cultivar has tight, distinct foliage. It is thought that the growth rate may exceed that of a real dwarf, but there are not enough mature specimens to know for sure what size Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Chirimen’ is capable of. |
| Landscape |
| Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Chirimen’ are commonly used in rock gardens. As a dwarf conifer, they work best as a focal point or specimen plant but are also recommended for mass plantings. They are also commonly used as bonsai in container or trough gardens. Being tolerant of full sun or partial shade makes their placement fairly easy in the garden. |
| Cultivation |
| Chirimen Hinoki was introduced into cultivation in the 1990s in Japan, and brought into North America by Stanley and Sons nursery in Boring, Oregon, United States of America. Its original introduction into cultivation outside of Japan is up for debate, as both Oakdene Nursery in Sussex, United Kingdom and Cedar Lodge Nursery in Australia claim credit; it is thought that both nurseries obtained propagation specimens at the same time. They prefer full sun to partial shade but will perform best in full sun. They are generally drought tolerant, and require excellent drainage, however they do prefer to be in moist soils. They enjoy a slightly acidic soil pH but are not necessarily particular about it and are able to withstand all soil types. They are very tolerant of urban conditions but need a protected location to keep from damaging winter winds. Maintenance is low as the plant does not need pruning, but a slow release fertilizer in the spring is helpful. |
| Shape |
| Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Chirimen’ shoots out upright, irregular branches with multiple leaders that have a spreading habit. The shape is varying with branches similar to bottle-brushes because of the tight, dense foliage. The branching can also be described as vertical and columnar, contributing to an irregular oval shape, producing an overall unique form that is different with each plant. |
| Growth |
| Slow |
| ID Characteristic |
| Chirimen Hinokis are known for their irregular shape and branching that resembles cat tails or bottlebrushes. This dwarf conifer is also noted as unique because of its tight, dense foliage. |
| Pests |
| They don’t experience any serious problems, but there are pests and diseases known to affect the parent plant, Chamaecyparis obtusa, including Juniper scale and tip blight. However, this cultivar is resistant to deer, most insects, and disease. |
| Habitat |
| Horticultural origin. |
| Bark/Stem Description |
| The bark has been observed on a bonsai of the cultivar to be a light reddish-brown colour. The bark is often covered by the congested foliage that is present along the span of each branch. The stems often arise as a cluster, as it can have multiple leaders. |
| Flower/Leaf Bud Description |
| The flower bud of this cultivar is insignificant. Upon inspection of a bonsai specimen, the leaf buds appear to have a yellow or rusty tone, are pointy, and are in tight clusters. |
| Leaf Description |
| The leaves of this conifer have a very tight and congested, awl-like appearance. New growth has a yellow-green colour, turning into a rich shade of green, and can almost be considered scale-like at that level of maturity. The mature foliage can take on a blue tone and is arranged in radial sprays very close to the branch. The sprays point out in most directions and vary in length. The arrangement and thick density of the foliage give the branches a bottlebrush-like appearance. |
| Flower Description |
| The flowers are insignificant and green. The specimen is not known for its flowering. |
| Fruit Description |
| Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Chirimen’ produce and retain seed cones along the branches that are sometimes mistaken for a disease and will eventually fall off. Older plants might grow cones along the branches in clusters of no particular form. The cones are approximately just over half of a centimetre across, and are green, turning to brown. |
| Colour Description |
| This plant is normally a rich green colour with many shades of blue. New growth is more yellow in colour, maturing into its true green form. The bark is a light reddish brown colour. |
| Texture Description |
| Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Chirimen’ is very dense and crinkly, and the foliage is prickly and somewhat rigid. |
| Notable Specimens |
| Model Railroad Garden, Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, Illinois, United States of America. |
| Propagation |
| The cultivar originated through seedling selection, however propagation is done through cuttings. It is best to use the current season’s growth, about 5-7 cm, for cuttings because it will root faster. The cuttings can be taken after the first few frosts of autumn when the plant is going into dormancy. It is important to keep the cutting humid and in a sterilized growing medium. Ideally, cuttings should begin to root after 1-2 years. |
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