CHAMAECYPARIS lawsoniana ‘Pembury Blue’

Description

CHAMAECYPARIS lawsoniana ‘Pembury Blue’, commonly known as Blue Lawson Cypress or Blue Port Orford cedar, is renowned for its exceptionally colored foliage (see photos). It is one of the bluest conifers. Its color, more intense in summer, captivates the eye. It adds a very elegant touch to the garden.
Then, unlike the type species, it grows much more slowly. The subject in our photo is around fifteen years old and barely 1.5 m tall with a conical shape.
Thanks to its slow growth and low development, it fits well into gardens of all sizes.
This plant resists both deer attacks and low temperatures much better than others. Indeed, the specimen in the Vallonchêne garden in the photo survived without difficulty temperatures of -22°C a few years ago.
Finally, the pleasant aesthetic makes this plant essential, with its beauty present all year round.

How to plant and care for CHAMAECYPARIS Lawsoniana ‘Pembury Blue’?

1. Where to plant it?
   Choose a location with light or normal, fairly drained soil with an acidic to neutral pH. The place must be sunny. Tip: To get the most intense blue, it should receive direct sunlight from morning to evening.
2. How to prepare the planting hole?
   For a good preparation of the pot or ground, we have designed specific instructions available here.
3. How to maintain it?
   Ensure regular watering for the first few years, particularly during dry periods, until the conifer has established well. Water at the base of the plant and not the foliage. Also, discover here how to water your garden and save water.
   Pruning is not really necessary given its slow growth and development. If you have to prune, do it at the end of winter before growth. However, avoid severe pruning, as this plant does not necessarily regenerate new branches on large wood.

History and Origin

The CHAMAECYPARIS lawsoniana ‘Pembury Blue’ horticultural selection was developed to accentuate the aesthetic qualities of its extraordinarily blue foliage. Although it has enjoyed great success among garden collectors, it remains little known to the general public. It can be qualified as a collector’s plant.

The type species, CHAMAECYPARIS lawsoniana, has its origins in North America, mainly in the northern regions of California and Oregon.

Furthermore, the thick bark provides excellent resistance to heat and forest fires.

In the wild, this species is threatened. Euro-Americans discovered it in the 1850s.

The wood is light and has good mechanical resistance, even after long periods of exposure to salt water. It was used in boat building.