Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Sheriman' – A Dwarf, Elegant Evergreen with Soft, Feathery Foliage
Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Sheriman' is a stunning, compact evergreen conifer that stands out with its elegant, soft, feathery foliage and striking, conical shape. This variety is highly valued for its dense, rich green foliage that provides year-round beauty and structure in the garden. Growing to a height of around 1 to 1.5 metres (3 to 5 feet) and a spread of about 1 to 1.2 metres (3 to 4 feet), 'Sheriman' is perfect for smaller gardens, borders, or containers. It can also be used as a specimen plant or in foundation plantings, offering a graceful, low-maintenance option for year-round appeal.
Why Grow Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Sheriman'?
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Compact and Dwarf Habit – 'Sheriman' maintains a small, pyramidal shape, making it an ideal choice for smaller gardens or tight spaces. Its slow-growing nature and dense form ensure that it remains compact and attractive throughout its life.
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Soft, Feathery Foliage – The lush green foliage of 'Sheriman' is soft to the touch and arranged in delicate, feathery sprays. The vibrant green colour holds its freshness throughout the year, creating a serene, calming presence in the garden, even in winter.
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Year-Round Appeal – As an evergreen, 'Sheriman' provides consistent colour and structure to the garden year-round. Its dense foliage and symmetrical form make it a perfect focal point or backdrop for other plants throughout every season.
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Low-Maintenance – This variety is very easy to care for, making it a fantastic choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant and requires minimal pruning or maintenance, ensuring it thrives effortlessly in your garden.
Planting & Care Guide
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Position: Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Sheriman' prefers full sun to partial shade. While it thrives best in full sun, it can tolerate some light shade, especially in warmer climates where afternoon sun can be intense. Full sun will bring out the best colour in its foliage.
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Soil: This conifer thrives in moist, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. It prefers rich, loamy soil with good organic content, but it can tolerate a range of soil types as long as they are not prone to waterlogging.
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Watering: Regular watering is important during the first few years while 'Sheriman' establishes itself. Once established, it is fairly drought-tolerant. However, it performs best when given consistent moisture, particularly during dry spells, while ensuring the soil is well-drained to prevent root rot.
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Maintenance:
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Pruning: 'Sheriman' requires minimal pruning to maintain its natural pyramidal shape. It is a slow-growing conifer, so any trimming required will be minimal. Light pruning to remove dead or damaged branches is all that is necessary to keep the plant looking tidy.
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Feeding: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring to encourage healthy growth and vibrant foliage. A fertiliser formulated for conifers or evergreens will support optimal growth.
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Mulching: Add a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture, keep the soil temperature stable, and suppress weeds. Keep the mulch away from the trunk to avoid moisture buildup that could cause rot.
Perfect Plant Combinations
Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Sheriman' is a versatile plant that pairs beautifully with a variety of other plants to create a well-balanced garden design. Its soft, feathery texture and compact size make it ideal for mixing with both evergreen and deciduous plants.
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Contrasting Foliage – Pair 'Sheriman' with plants that have contrasting foliage colours, such as the deep purple tones of Heuchera or the silvery leaves of Artemisia. These combinations will enhance the soft green tones of 'Sheriman' and create visual interest.
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Other Evergreens – Combine with other evergreen shrubs and conifers like Boxwood, Juniper, or other varieties of Chamaecyparis. This creates year-round structure and texture, and ensures that your garden retains interest during the winter months.
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Flowering Shrubs – 'Sheriman' pairs beautifully with flowering shrubs such as Rhododendrons, Azaleas, or Camellias. These plants' bright blooms will contrast beautifully with the evergreen foliage of 'Sheriman', creating a dynamic and colourful display.
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Groundcovers and Perennials – Underplant 'Sheriman' with low-growing perennials or groundcovers like Ajuga, Hostas, or Ferns. These plants will help fill out the garden space and provide additional texture and interest around the base of the conifer.
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Wildlife-Friendly Planting – The dense foliage of 'Sheriman' provides shelter for birds and small animals. Pair it with other wildlife-friendly plants like Pyracantha, Cotoneaster, or berry-producing shrubs to create a garden that supports local wildlife while remaining visually stunning.
Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Sheriman' is a small, elegant evergreen that brings year-round beauty and structure to your garden. With its compact pyramidal shape, soft feathery foliage, and minimal maintenance requirements, it is a perfect choice for small gardens, containers, or as a specimen plant. Its unique texture and colour make it an attractive addition to any landscape, whether planted alone or as part of a larger, diverse planting scheme.
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.
