Gold Drop Hinoki Cypress | Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Gold Drop’ | Dwarf Evergreen Conifer

Add elegant year-round color and texture to your landscape with Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Gold Drop’, a dwarf Hinoki Cypress known for its soft golden foliage and compact growth habit. This slow-growing evergreen conifer forms a dense rounded mound, ideal for small gardens, rock gardens, foundation plantings, patio containers, and Japanese-inspired landscapes.

The finely textured foliage displays soft golden-yellow tones that intensify in cooler weather and full sun. This deer-resistant dwarf conifer is easy to grow and low maintenance, providing four-season beauty with minimal upkeep.

Why Gardeners Choose Gold Drop Hinoki Cypress

• Soft golden evergreen foliage
• Compact dwarf conifer habit
• Bright color year-round
• Suitable for containers and patios
• Deer resistant and low maintenance
• Perfect for rock and Japanese gardens
• Great for bonsai and specimen planting

Plant Details

• Botanical Name: Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Gold Drop’
• Common Name: Gold Drop Hinoki Cypress
• Plant Type: Dwarf evergreen conifer
• Mature Height: 4–5 feet
• Mature Width: 3–4 feet
• Foliage Color: Golden yellow to light green-gold
• Growth Habit: Dense, rounded, compact
• Growth Rate: Slow growing
• Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Needs: Slightly acidic, well-draining soil
• Water Needs: Moderate; drought tolerant once established
• Hardiness Zones: 5–8
• Characteristics: Evergreen, deer resistant, low maintenance, compact shrub

Perfect Garden Uses

Japanese-style gardens
Rock gardens
Foundation plantings
Patio containers
Small-space landscapes
Evergreen borders
Bonsai and specimen planting

Companion Plants

Pairs well with:

• Japanese Maples
• Heather
• Blue Fescue
• Dwarf Spruce
• Sedum
• Rhododendrons
• Hostas

These companion plants provide texture and color contrast throughout the year.

Care Tips

• Plant in well-draining soil
• Prefers full sun for brightest golden color
• Water regularly during establishment
• Avoid waterlogged conditions
• Mulch to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature
• Minimal pruning needed due to naturally compact habit