Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Ellwoodii' – A Compact, Elegant Evergreen for Year-Round Colour and Structure
Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Ellwoodii' is a compact, conical evergreen shrub that brings year-round structure and beauty to the garden. Known for its soft, feathery blue-green foliage and its upright, pyramid-like form, 'Ellwoodii' makes an excellent choice for creating vertical interest in borders, foundation plantings, or as a specimen tree in smaller gardens. Growing to a height of 1.5 to 2.5 metres (5 to 8 feet) and a spread of around 1 to 1.5 metres (3 to 5 feet), this evergreen conifer remains relatively small and easy to maintain, making it ideal for more compact spaces or as a focal point in larger landscapes.
Why Grow Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Ellwoodii'?
-
Compact, Upright Shape – With its pyramidal, upright habit, 'Ellwoodii' adds height and structure to the garden without taking up too much space. It works well as a standalone specimen or as part of a formal hedge or screen.
-
Soft Blue-Green Foliage – The foliage of 'Ellwoodii' is soft, feathery, and a striking blue-green colour that contrasts beautifully against other plants. This vibrant foliage maintains its colour throughout the year, adding a constant element of texture and interest to your garden.
-
Year-Round Interest – As an evergreen, Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Ellwoodii' provides year-round appeal. Its rich foliage colour and symmetrical shape ensure it stands out in every season, offering structure and green vibrancy even in winter months.
-
Low-Maintenance – 'Ellwoodii' is relatively easy to care for and requires minimal pruning. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and can withstand a variety of soil types, making it an excellent choice for gardeners of all experience levels.
Planting & Care Guide
-
Position: Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Ellwoodii' thrives in full sun to partial shade. It grows best in a location with plenty of sunlight, although it can tolerate light shade, especially in warmer climates. Full sun encourages the brightest colour and the most vigorous growth.
-
Soil: This variety prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil, rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types but will thrive best in soil that retains some moisture without becoming waterlogged.
-
Watering: While 'Ellwoodii' is drought-tolerant once established, it benefits from regular watering during dry spells. Keep the soil consistently moist during the plant's first few years to encourage healthy root development, and ensure that the soil drains well to avoid root rot.
-
Maintenance:
-
Pruning: 'Ellwoodii' requires minimal pruning to maintain its natural pyramidal shape. Light trimming can be done to remove any dead or damaged branches, but avoid heavy pruning as this can affect its natural form.
-
Feeding: Feed in early spring with a balanced fertiliser to support healthy growth. A slow-release fertiliser designed for conifers works well, providing nutrients over an extended period.
-
Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Keep mulch away from the stem to prevent rot.
Perfect Plant Combinations
Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Ellwoodii' is a versatile plant that can be paired with a variety of other plants to create a beautiful, cohesive garden design. Its conical shape and soft foliage colour make it an excellent choice for adding vertical interest and structure.
-
Contrasting Foliage – Pair 'Ellwoodii' with plants that have contrasting foliage colours, such as the deep green or purple foliage of Heuchera or the silvery leaves of Lavender or Artemisia. These contrasts will highlight the blue-green hues of the 'Ellwoodii' and add depth to your garden.
-
Evergreens for a Cohesive Look – Combine with other evergreens, such as Boxwood, Juniper, or other conifer varieties, to create a year-round garden that offers structure, texture, and colour in every season.
-
Flowering Shrubs – 'Ellwoodii' pairs beautifully with flowering shrubs like Rhododendrons, Azaleas, or Camellias. The soft blue-green foliage serves as a perfect backdrop for the vibrant blooms of these plants, creating a balanced and harmonious display.
-
Groundcovers and Perennials – Underplant 'Ellwoodii' with low-growing perennials or groundcovers like Ajuga, Ferns, or Hosta. These plants will fill the space beneath the conifer and soften the transition between the plant and the soil.
-
Wildlife-Friendly Planting – As a conifer, 'Ellwoodii' provides shelter for birds and small wildlife throughout the year. Pair it with other wildlife-friendly plants, such as berry-producing shrubs like Pyracantha or Cotoneaster, to create a diverse, wildlife-supporting garden.
Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Ellwoodii' is an elegant, low-maintenance evergreen that offers year-round structure and beauty to your garden. With its soft, feathery foliage, compact shape, and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, it is an excellent choice for small to medium-sized gardens or for gardeners looking to add a conical evergreen to their landscape. Its minimal care requirements and consistent colour make it a versatile addition to a wide range of planting schemes.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.
