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Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Oregon Blue' how do I keep it alive?

14 years ago

OK. I picked up one of these in a one gallon locally about a year ago Â very cheap. I put it in a large ceramic pot this year and it has done very well. Pot is kept in mostly shade little morning sun. I am kind of surprised because I have heard they die in the heat. We have been fortunate to have a rather cool summer this year. I would like to put it in the ground and I am looking for suggestions as to placement. Sun exposure, soil, etc. I have most clay soil but in some places it is better than others. Some places drain better, etc. If you think I should just keep it in the pot then will it be OK outside?

Zone 7 - Middle TN area.

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Comments (7)

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
14 years ago
shouldnt be a winter problem in your zone

PERHAPS the issue will be whether you can keep the pot dry enough to avoid root rot .. but keeping it damp enough for the plant ...

need more facts

how big is the plant?
the pot?
what media in the pot?

anything you think might help us help you ...

good luck

ken
madlyn88
14 years ago
I think your Blue Cedar (Port Orford Cedar is the common name) should do okay if you plant it in an area/soil with good drainage and not in a low spot. I have several C. lawsoniana's in my Portland Oregon city garden, maybe too many as they do get big. I always put plenty of pumice in the bottom of the planting hole. I also watch not to over water the tree in the summer, just good deep drinks a couple of times. Good Luck with your Blue. Madlyn
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Whatya mean they don't grow in the west? I have a large collection of Chamaecyparis, mostly obtusas and lawsons, and with the exception of C.l. 'Blue Surprise' (a noted dud), all thrive. A bunch came from Stanley and Sons, a bunch more from Iseli - both supply retail nurseries in this area - and the rest from local specialty growers. My nursery regularly carries a wide selection of C. lawsoniana cultivars. If the plants are coming from a certified SOD-free grower, there is little chance of disease issues (or this disease specifically) becoming a problem. Ken, I can't speak to your problems as my climate seems to be pretty much ideal for these guys (as it should be!) and even in full sun, there is virtually no chance of scorching nor any incidence of winter burn, even on very pale or heavily variegated forms.
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Thanks for your help! I decided to dig it up and see, and sure enough, the roots are rotted and slimy. I took a few cuttings to see if I can regrow it...if it works, any suggestions to keep waterborne pathogens at bay? Obviously I'll have a much lighter hand with the watering, what kind of soil would you recommend?
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midtn
Original Author
14 years ago
The plant is about 2ft tall. It is in a pot that is about 1.5ft wide and 2ft tall.

I would prefer that it goes in the ground this fall. Just trying to pick the best spot.
Embothrium
14 years ago
Cool, well-drained soil. Species is being hammered by root rot even in the wild, you don't need the wrong climate to have this problem. Whether or not it develops in a particular spot depends on the presence or absence of the pathogen(s) involved.

Pumice in the bottom of a planting hole is of no benefit to the plant. A name for coarse material placed in a hole dug out of damp ground is "sump".
barbaraincalif
14 years ago
The key is excellent drainage. Do a forum search for Chamaecyparis lawsoniana and you'll get an idea of the challenges involved in growing this species.
Sorry that your simple question has generated bad news.
Since you already have the tree, I'd just go ahead and plant it...maybe you'll be luckier than many of us have been!

Happy digging,

Barbara
mrgpag SW OH Z5/6
14 years ago
As Barb said - plant it and in the best well drained soil spot you have. You might want to wash away most of the existing potting media just before planting so the roots can come into better contact with the native soil, If your soil is dry, soak the planting hole a day ahead and get it saturated well with moisture. This will also tell you how well drained your soil is. Might try planting just before some cool, damp, cloudy weather if that's possible. I'd select a site with some high afternoon shade as well.
Good Luck
Marshall
pineresin
14 years ago
Most important is soil free from Phytophthora diseases. Lawson's Cypress is very susceptible to these, particularly Phytophthora lateralis. If Phytophthora is known to be present in the soil, try grafting it on a species with better resistance to Phytophthora, such as Hinoki Cypress or Sawara Cypress.

"I think your Blue Cedar ..."

It is a cypress, not a cedar (Cedrus)!

Resin

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