Tsuyama hinoki cypress
BeginnerChamaecyparis obtusa 'Tsuyama'
A yatsubusa hinoki found in Tsuyama, Okayama, in 1955. Dense, deep-green scale foliage with rounded tips spreading in fans recalls shimpaku juniper. Tough and tolerant of pruning, it is the standard hinoki for shohin bonsai.
About
Tsuyama hinoki is a yatsubusa (dwarf, densely branching) form of hinoki cypress, Chamaecyparis obtusa. According to a bonsai guide, in 1955 a bonsai grower searching for material found a seedling about 10 cm tall in Tsuyama, Okayama, took it home and propagated it by cuttings, from which it spread nationwide. Ordinary hinoki is a timber tree exceeding 20 m, but Tsuyama's fine, compact foliage gives a big-tree look in a small pot, making it popular for shohin. The leaves are the key identifier: dense, deep-green scale foliage with rounded, slightly thick tips that spread in fans, resembling shimpaku juniper at a glance. 'Renzan', another yatsubusa hinoki, has shorter scales and softer colour, while 'Sekka' has even harder, crinkled foliage. It is tough, takes pruning well and suits formal upright, informal upright and group plantings. Yatsubusa hinoki used for bonsai like water and feeding, and a single drying-out can kill them, so water more generously than for wild hinoki. Rooted cuttings and part-trained material are regularly sold by bonsai nurseries.
Basic Info
Origin
Japan (propagated by cuttings from a seedling found in Tsuyama, Okayama)
Lifespan
Little data for the cultivar
Size
Slow and compact; easy to keep as shohin or mini bonsai
Temperature
-5〜35℃
Watering & Fertilizer
Fertilizer (solid feed in spring and autumn)
Growing Tips
Light & placement
Bright part shade to sun. Hinoki dislikes harsh sun, so move to part shade in summer; keep airy all year
Watering
Likes water: 1–2 times a day in spring, 2–3 in summer, every 2–3 days in winter when the surface dries. One drying-out can be fatal
Temperature & overwintering
Hardy (hinoki: USDA zones 4–8). Frost bronzes the foliage and it browns in winter but greens up in spring; protect small pots from freezing
Soil & repotting
Akadama alone or with sand for drainage. Repot in March–April, about every 2 years for young plants
Fertilizer
Place organic fertilizer such as rapeseed cake in spring and autumn
Pruning & styling
Pinch new growth as it appears May–September. Prune in Feb–Mar and Sep–Nov; wire Dec–Feb, avoiding the coldest spell
Pests & cautions
Robust, but spider mites appear in dry spells and borers attack weak plants. Thin foliage so the interior does not die back
Tsuyama hinoki cypress FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Tsuyama hinoki cypress?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QHow should I water and fertilize Tsuyama hinoki cypress?
Tsuyama hinoki cypress: watering & fertilizer — Fertilizer (solid feed in spring and autumn). Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Tsuyama hinoki cypress?
The price of Tsuyama hinoki cypress varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Primary sources
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Tsuyama' (Siebold & Zucc.) Endl.
Synonyms: Chamaecyparis obtusa var. formosana (Hayata) Rehder, Chamaepeuce obtusa (Siebold & Zucc.) Zucc., Chamaecyparis tsatsumi (Slavin) Slavin
Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not listed by CITES and not regulated for domestic sale. Not a registered variety under the Plant Variety Protection Act (no entry in the MAFF database, checked Sept 2026).
Sources: Species+ (CITES listing search) / MAFF Plant Variety Registration Database
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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