Hinoki Cypress in Zone 10

[sanghster]

Hello BN members -

I tried doing a search (forum and Google) on this topic and did not have much luck. I have been told that Hinoki Cypress naturally grows deep in the dark and wet forests of Japan. As a result, it was suggested that I keep my HC in a dark shady area in the yard. By contrast, all the care guides online point to keeping the tree in sunlight for zones 5-8. Given that I am in a much hotter zone, I am confused as to whether it is best to continue keeping the tree in the shade or move it to a dappled sunlight area.

Many thanks for your guidance.

 

[october]

Hello BN members -

I tried doing a search (forum and Google) on this topic and did not have much luck. I have been told that Hinoki Cypress naturally grows deep in the dark and wet forests of Japan. As a result, it was suggested that I keep my HC in a dark shady area in the yard. By contrast, all the care guides online point to keeping the tree in sunlight for zones 5-8. Given that I am in a much hotter zone, I am confused as to whether it is best to continue keeping the tree in the shade or move it to a dappled sunlight area.

Many thanks for your guidance.

Never keep a hinoki in a dark, shady area. This will kill it. They are not the easiest tree to maintain in bonsai culture. What are your summer temp ranges? If they are really not like 90-105 degrees F, then morning sun and afternoon shade should be fine. However, morning sun as it like 5-6 hours.

In climates where summer temps are 75-95 on average. Pretty much all day sun if fine and probably the best. Keep in mind that hinoki usually like a lot of water. Depending on the pot and size of the tree, it may need watering 2-3 times a day.

I hope this was helpful.

Rob

 

[sanghster]

This is exactly what I needed to confirm. Many thanks!

 

[Vance Wood]

Never keep a hinoki in a dark, shady area. This will kill it. They are not the easiest tree to maintain in bonsai culture. What are your summer temp ranges? If they are really not like 90-105 degrees F, then morning sun and afternoon shade should be fine. However, morning sun as it like 5-6 hours.

In climates where summer temps are 75-95 on average. Pretty much all day sun if fine and probably the best. Keep in mind that hinoki usually like a lot of water. Depending on the pot and size of the tree, it may need watering 2-3 times a day.

I hope this was helpful.

Rob

That really is the rub, they like a lot of water, more than most people would give any conifer. It is my understanding that the water issue is the main reason the Japanese do not grow them as bonsai.

 

[october]

You know, I cannot even believe how much water my Hinoki started taking in over the last few weeks and I have had this tree for 11 years. I have never seen anything like it. Today, I went to check it and the top of the soil was a little moist. An hour later it was bone dry. which I was not happy about. I almost can't keep up with it. I do not have a sprinkler system. On sunny days, it needs water every 4 hours or so.

Rob

 

[sanghster]

It is discouraging to learn exactly how much water is needed. Glad I only have one HC.