Chamaecyparis lawsoniana Ellwood's Gold 4.5 Litre Pot

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Ellwood's Gold' – Lawson Cypress with Golden-Tipped Foliage

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Ellwood's Gold' is a striking evergreen conifer prized for its dense, columnar habit and soft, feathery foliage tipped with warm golden-yellow. A sport of the well-known 'Ellwoodii', this variety brings a luminous quality to the garden, with the golden colouring most vivid on the young growth and in full sun. Slow growing and naturally tidy, it is an excellent choice for borders, rockeries, containers, and formal planting schemes.

Seasonal Beauty & Growth

Spring:
Bright golden-yellow tips emerge on fresh new growth, giving the plant a warm, glowing appearance as the season gets underway.

Summer:
The foliage settles into a rich blend of blue-green and gold, retaining good colour and a neat, upright form throughout the warmer months.

Autumn & Winter:
As an evergreen, 'Ellwood's Gold' holds its structure and colour through the colder months, providing welcome form and interest when much of the garden is bare.

Structure & Form

• Upright, columnar evergreen conifer

• Slow growing with a naturally neat habit

• Soft, feathery foliage in blue-green with golden-yellow tips

• Dense, compact growth requiring little intervention

• Excellent year-round structural presence

A versatile specimen that brings warmth, colour, and architectural form to planting schemes of all styles.

Perfect for Various Landscapes

• Borders & Beds: Provides a strong vertical accent and warm golden colour among mixed planting.

• Rockeries & Gravel Gardens: Compact, slow-growing habit suits smaller feature plantings with excellent drainage.

• Containers: Well suited to patio pots and courtyard displays, adding year-round structure and colour.

• Formal Planting: Ideal for symmetrical arrangements, flanking pathways or entrances with its tidy columnar form.

• Small Gardens: Slow growth and upright habit make it highly manageable in confined spaces.

Perfect Plant Combinations

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Ellwood's Gold' pairs beautifully with a wide range of plants to create striking and harmonious garden displays.

• Contrasting Foliage: The warm golden tips contrast beautifully with dark-leaved plants such as Heuchera, Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens', or purple-foliaged Berberis.

• Other Conifers: Combine with blue-toned dwarf conifers such as Picea pungens varieties or Juniperus for a dynamic interplay of colour and texture.

• Flowering Shrubs: Underplant or partner with Heathers (Calluna and Erica) for a classic conifer-and-heather combination with complementary seasonal colour.

• Groundcovers: Low-growing perennials such as Ajuga, Sedums, or dwarf grasses help to ground the planting and enhance the golden tones above.

Growing Conditions & Care

Position:
Full sun to partial shade. The best golden colouring is achieved in a sunny spot; in deeper shade the foliage will tend more towards blue-green.

Soil:
Moist, well-drained soil is preferred. 'Ellwood's Gold' tolerates a range of soil types, including slightly acidic to neutral conditions, but dislikes waterlogged ground.

Watering:
Water regularly after planting to help the plant establish. Once settled, it is fairly tolerant of dry periods but benefits from consistent moisture during prolonged dry spells, particularly in containers.

Hardiness:
Fully hardy in the UK, tolerating temperatures well below freezing. Established plants are reliable even in exposed positions.

Pruning:
Very little pruning is required thanks to its naturally compact, columnar habit. Light trimming in late spring or early summer can help maintain a tidy shape if needed. Avoid cutting back hard into old wood, as Lawson cypress does not reliably regenerate from bare stems.

Feeding:
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring to encourage healthy, vibrant growth. A feed formulated for conifers will support strong foliage colour and steady development.

Mulching:
A layer of mulch around the base helps retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds. Keep mulch clear of the main stem to avoid rot.

Why Choose Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Ellwood's Gold'?

• Warm golden-tipped foliage with attractive blue-green tones