Trees

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Compacta'

Compact Hinoki cypress

Compact Hinoki cypress foliage detail, source-identified as Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Compacta' at Dawes Arboretum. Photo: James St. John / Flickr, CC BY 2.0

Dense fans of green foliage create the characteristic layered texture of this Hinoki cypress. Plants sold as Compacta are generally upright to pyramidal, but the name has been applied to materially different forms. Confirm the grower's clone and expected dimensions before choosing a restricted foundation bed or another space-sensitive planting location.

At a glance

Sun: Full sun to partial sun
Size: Height: About 6–8 ft for the compact form · Width: About 4–6 ft for the compact form
Water: Moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness: USDA zones 5–8

Sizes & prices

#5ChamaecyparisCall for price
#7Chamaecyparis Dwarf Hinoki Cypress$189.99
#10Chamaecyparis$189.99
B&B 9'Chamaecyparis Dwarf Hinoki CypressCall for price

Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.

Ask about this plant

Select a section to expand.

Landscape use & tree form

Form: Columnar to pyramidal
Use: Specimen; screening
Growth rate: Slow

Resistance & tolerances

Deer: Protect from browsing where deer pressure is high; do not rely on this plant as a deer-proof screen.
Drought: The parent species has moderate drought tolerance after establishment; maintain moisture while young.
Wet soil: Moist soil with good drainage; do not treat as a standing-water plant.

Resistance is not a guarantee; deer and rabbits may browse any plant.

Keep in mind: Confirm supplier clone: plants sold as Compacta have widely varying ultimate sizes.

Seasonal interest

Foliage: Evergreen; dark green
Cones: Small orange-brown cones; species guidance.

Growing & care

Soil: Moist, fertile, well-drained soil; avoid waterlogged ground.
Pruning: Usually little pruning is needed. If shaping is necessary, prune in early spring to a leafy side shoot; avoid cutting into bare old wood.
Issues: Watch for bagworms and branch blight; poor drainage favors root rot.

Sources & photo credits

The Morton Arboretum

www.courvillenursery.com

Iseli Nursery

NC State Extension

University of Minnesota Extension

www.udel.edu

Loen Nursery

Photo: James St. John / Flickr, CC BY 2.0; resized for web without enlargement. · CC BY 2.0

Image notes: Compact Hinoki cypress foliage detail, source-identified as Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Compacta' at Dawes Arboretum. Photo: James St. John / Flickr, CC BY 2.0; resized for web without enlargement.

Reviewed September 22, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.