Hinoki Cypress 'Chirimen'

Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Chirimen' is a captivating dwarf Hinoki cypress with a character unlike any other conifer. Its name — 'Chirimen' — refers to the dyed crepe silk fabric used in traditional Japanese kimono-making, a fitting tribute to its richly textured, multi-layered foliage. Compact, upright, and deeply ornamental, this cultivar is equally at home in a curated garden bed, a patio container, or a refined bonsai collection.

Growth Form & Habit

'Chirimen' develops a narrow, upright form composed of dense, bottle-brush-like shoots. Its growth habit is distinctly architectural:

• Tight, columnar silhouette well-suited to small spaces and formal plantings
• Thick, upright shoots that give the tree a sculptural, textured presence
• Slow, predictable growth that requires minimal pruning to maintain its natural shape

Its refined structure provides year-round visual interest, even in winter when its evergreen foliage holds colour and form.

Foliage Characteristics

'Chirimen' is prized for its exceptionally unique foliage display:

• Both juvenile and adult foliage present simultaneously, creating layered visual texture
• Colouring ranges from blue-green to rich green, with subtle variation across shoot types
• Dense, crinkled spray tips that catch light and create depth throughout the canopy
• Evergreen — retains its striking appearance through all four seasons

Ideal for Bonsai & Garden Use

'Chirimen' is a highly regarded subject for bonsai practitioners due to its naturally fine branching, compact internodes, and the striking contrast of its mixed foliage types. It also performs beautifully as a garden specimen — planted in rock gardens, along pathways, or as a container accent in a courtyard or patio setting.

Why Choose 'Chirimen'?

• Exceptional texture: Mixed juvenile and adult foliage creates a look unlike any other Hinoki cultivar
• Compact and manageable: Slow growth rate and dwarf habit — matures to just 3–4 ft. tall
• Year-round colour: Evergreen with vibrant blue-green tones that persist through winter
• Low maintenance: Requires minimal pruning once established
• Excellent for bonsai: Fine branching, compact internodes, and striking foliage make it a collector favourite

Plant Specifications

This listing is for a 1 Gallon container-grown specimen. Measurements are approximate and will vary by individual plant.

Please note: Photos are representative of this cultivar and size range. The exact plant you receive may vary slightly in form and colouration.

Grown in Canada, for Canada. All our conifers are cultivated and shipped from our Canadian nursery with care, ensuring they arrive healthy and ready to thrive in your climate.