Chamaecyparis obtusa Nana

Hello,

I recieved a Hinoki Cypress nana for Christmas. Its pretty small, about 7 inch tall. I am using it as a starter tree to get used to the process. I wish I could post my pictures of it, but my question is about trimming. The main trunk splits into three smaller trunks (two are almost entwined) each branches off into many other branches. The mass of the foliage is shaped into a "pill" like form..a streched sphere i guess. I have NO idea of a form to take. Most of the styles, slanted, upright, etc..don't seem to apply here. Any suggestions?

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TreeBay

Hi Will,

Some of the common species you'll encounter for bonsai are based on varieties of plants that have genetics that lead to tight foliage and dense budding. These were identified in nature as "witch's broom" growths on parent plants and were grafted or layered and propagated for their dwarf characteristics. The dwarf hinoki cypress you have is commonly grown as a shrub in the garden landscape where a true hinoki might eventually grow into a 70- foot tree.

In containers hinoki can be a little fussy. This is most definitely, absolutely an outdoor tree. It likes sunshine in all but the most extreme conditions. You will have to work, as you've noticed, to thin the interior of the tree so that it can get sunlight and air in there. If you do not the tree will shed branches of its own accord, and you could develop a mite problem in the interior.

Hinoki is not the best choice as a beginner tree, so don't be discouraged if you lose this one. They drink a good amount of water, but on the other hand they don't like soggy soil, and it doesn't backbud much. The foliage is a little difficult to deal with because it tends to develop into fan shapes that need to be pinched back and wired out into horizontal planes. The results can be worth it, however.

Most any style is suitable for this tree, but the pyramid shape with graceful, slightly weeping branches is the most often seen in nature.

You'll find more cultural information in the BCI Species Index look under Chamaecyparis

Regards,

Matt

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