Plant of the Month - February 2005

ARBORETUM PLANT OF THE MONTH FEATURE by Chub Harper Xanthacyparis nootkatensis 'Pendula' Weeping Nootka Cypress Weeping Nootka Cypress (Xanthocyparis nootkatensis 'Pendula'). Formerly named (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis 'Pendula'). This charming conifer makes a positive statement in the landscape. It has a unique upright weeping form that has no equal in the conifer world. Used in the landscape it creates a focal point that makes a beautiful background and acts as a focal point as well as a very effective screen. There are many other cultivars of this species and they are all very unique and will be covered in future Plant of the Month selections. At the Bickelhaupt Arboretum there are four specimens of this species. A specimen of this month's selection is located in the lower part of The Heartland Collection of Garden Conifers and is 13 years of age. The plant shown in the illustration is located at Hidden Lake Gardens, Tipton, MI and is growing in the Harper Collection of Dwarf and Rare Conifers and is approximately 25 years of age and is about 18' tall. This particular cultivar would be classified as a large growing conifer according to the *ACS Size Category chart which means it will grow to about 15' in height in approximately 10years. This cultivar grows to about 40' to 50' with a spread of 20' to 25'when mature. There are two distinct forms of this cultivar. The one shown in the picture grows dense and more columnar with shorter branches and weeping branchlets. The other form grows with wider spaced arching branches and somewhat open habit. This form is illustrated by the plant in the Heartland Collection at the Bickelhaupt Arboretum. Both are very attractive pendulous forms. This conifer has proven to be very hardy in our extreme Midwest climate and has been hardy to USDA zone 4b and possibly further north to zone 4a. The cones are small and are only 1/3" to 1/2" across, globose, with 4-6 scales. The foliage is a dark bluish green or grayish green. The foliage does not possess white markings on the underside and is rank smelling when crushed. I have stood back and watched the increased interest in this species especially the weeping forms. It seems to be very tolerant of most soil conditions and seems to thrive under a wide range of conditions. As with most conifers it should be given a full sun exposure with a well drained soil. Just be sure and give it adequate space to thrive and stand back and enjoy the beautiful weeping dark green foliage. You will be well rewarded with a signature garden display. *American Conifer Society - Size Categories adopted 2002 About the author: Justin "Chub" Harper had served more than twenty years on the Bickelhaupt Arboretum Board of Directors when he became an Advisory Board member in 2005. As a young man he attended the University of Nebraska College of Agriculture. He developed a life-long interest for different plants such as bearded Iris, Hemerocallis, African Violets, Roses, and Ornamental Grasses. He has developed a passion for collecting and propagating dwarf and rare conifers. In 1963 he began a 24 year tenure as Grounds Maintenance Supervisor at Deere & Company, Administrative Center in Moline, Illinois. He operates "Harper Horticulture Consultants" and continues volunteer arboretum consulting and program presentations. The Bickelhaupt Arboretum is very fortunate to have had Mr. Harper on its Board of Directors and now, its Advisory Board.