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lawson cypress tree

The lawson cypress tree is a premium choice for gardeners and landscapers across New Zealand who seek elegant, evergreen structure for their outdoor spaces. Native to the Pacific Northwest but thriving in our cool-temperate climate, this versatile conifer is cherished for its graceful, columnar form, feathery foliage, and adaptability to a range of garden settings. Whether you’re looking to create a stately avenue, establish a privacy screen, or add architectural interest to a mixed border, the lawson cypress tree delivers year-round beauty and resilience with minimal maintenance.

taxodium-distichum-

Taxodium distichum (Bald Cypress)

Taxodium distichum, commonly known as the Bald Cypress or Swamp Cypress, is a conifer that grows as an upright tree to about 30 m tall and 8 m wide. It is somewhat unusual in that it is deciduous whereas most conifers tend to be evergreen. Feathery leaves emerge light green in spring, age to become bronze-yellow in summer, then develop bronze tones in autumn before falling. Taxodium distichum is a great tree for planting in wetter areas of a large garden and for planting around water features.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Conifers
Height: 30.00 m
Spread: 8.00 m
Tolerances: Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Ponds
Garden styles: Riparian
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Taxodium distichum Cascade Falls

Taxodium distichum Cascade Falls is a variety of the commonly known, Swamp Cypress, and is a fabulous weeping tree that will tolerate heavy soils. The rich green foliage hangs from pendulous branches on this deciduous conifer. The tree is further accentuated with yellow autumn colours before the leaves fall. It grows with a somewhat rounded shape to about 4 m tall and 3 m wide. Taxodium distichum Cascade Falls is a great tree for planting in wetter areas of a garden and for planting around water features such as ponds. It makes for a great specimen and is well suited to including in a mixed planting.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 4.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Tolerances: Hardy, Wet
Garden uses: Living areas, Parks, Ponds, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Riparian
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Cupressus sempervirens Stricta (Pencil Cypress)

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Quercus robur 'Fastigiata' specimen trees.

Quercus robur Fastigiata

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Cupressus Blue Ice is a popular and versatile plant suitable for New Zealand gardens, offering year-round interest and unique appeal.

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Cupressus Ovensii

Cupressus Ovensii, commonly known as Ovens Cypress, is a hardy, fast-growing conifer native to Australia. It’s ideal for creating privacy screens...

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Fraxinus Purple Spire

Fraxinus Purple Spire is a popular variety of the commonly known, Claret Ash, and is grown for its impressive form and brilliant autumn colours. It...

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Ulmus carpinifolia Variegata (Field Elm)

Ulmus carpinifolia Variegata, commonly known as Field Elm or Variegated Elm tree, is a stately, deciduous tree grown for its colourful foliage. The...

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Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King (Rowan Tree NZ)

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Lagunaria patersonia

Lagunaria patersonia, commonly known as the Primrose Tree, is an attractive, evergreen tree featuring lovely flowers. The showy, single flowers are...

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Corylus maxima Purpurea

Corylus maxima Purpurea, commonly known as the Purple-Leaved Filbert tree, is grown for its attractive foliage and interesting catkins. This...

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Crassula ovata (Money Tree)

Crassula ovata is a versatile plant ideal for New Zealand gardens, offering unique features and easy care.

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Cedrela sinensis Flamingo (Toon Tree)

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Fraxinus excelsior

Fraxinus excelsior, commonly known as the European Ash or Common Ash, is a large and stately, deciduous tree grown for its rich and colourful...

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Robinia Lace Lady

Robinia Lace Lady, commonly known as the False Acacia tree, is a deciduous tree grown for its lace-like foliage and pendulous form. The showy foliage...

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Acer platanoides Princeton Gold (Princeton Gold Maple Tree)

Acer platanoides Princeton Gold is a variety of the commonly known, Plane-Leaved Maple, and is a medium sized tree with fantastic foliage. The leaves...

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Tree Fertiliser (Tree Fertiliser)

Using tree fertiliser results in plants having better quality foliage, more profuse flowering, stronger stems, and a much healthier and brighter...

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Melia azedarach, commonly known as Bead Tree, White Cedar or Persian Lilac, is a fast-growing deciduous tree admired for its feathery foliage and...

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Dacrydium cupressinum, commonly known as Rimu or Red Pine, is an iconic and slow-growing tree. The juvenile form features drooping branches densely...

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Metrosideros excelsa (Pohutukawa) specimen tree with masses of red flowers in a coastal location.

Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

Metrosideros excelsa, commonly known as Pōhutukawa or the New Zealand Christmas Tree, is a coastal evergreen renowned for its brilliant red flowers...

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Schinus molle (California Pepper Tree)

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Magnolia JC Williams (Magnolia Tree JC Williams)

Magnolia JC Williams bears masses of large and showy, rose-purple flowers through late winter and early spring. These are borne on the naked stems...

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Sequoiadendron giganteum (Sequoia gigantea Tree)

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Magnolia Margaret Helen (Magnolia Tree Margaret Helen)

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Magnolia Amethyst Flame (Amethyst Flame Magnolia Tree)

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Magnolia liliiflora Nigra (Magnolia Tree Nigra)

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Magnolia Strawberry Fields (Strawberry Fields Magnolia Tree)

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Tree Guards (Tree Guards)

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Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' trees with yellow foliage in autumn.

Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' (Tulip Tree)

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Taxodium distichum (Bald Cypress)

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Cedrela, Corylus, Crassula, Cupressus, Dacrydium, Fraxinus, Lagunaria, Liriodendron, Magnolia, Melia, Metrosideros, Pear, Quercus, Robinia, Schinus, Sequoiadendron, Sorbus, Tabebuia Taxodium and Ulmus, or related Categories - General Garden Fertiliser, Plant Guards, Conifer Shrubs, Conifer Trees, Deciduous Conifers, Pear Trees, Deciduous Shrubs, Succulents, Deciduous Trees, Evergreen Trees Magnolia Trees and Maple Tree.

Search lawson cypress tree

Why Choose Lawson Cypress for Your Garden

The lawson cypress tree (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana) is renowned for its striking blue-green foliage, dense habit, and attractive bark. Growing up to 15 metres tall, it’s ideal for windbreaks, hedges, and specimen plantings. Its foliage is soft to the touch, and the tree tolerates pruning well, allowing you to shape it as needed. The lawson cypress also excels in moisture-retentive soils, making it a reliable choice for gardens prone to winter wetness. As an easy-care conifer, it's suited to both novice and experienced gardeners interested in low-maintenance plantings that still deliver dramatic impact.

Planting and Caring for a Lawson Cypress Tree

Establishing a lawson cypress tree is straightforward. Choose a sunny or lightly shaded site with well-drained soils. While young trees appreciate regular watering, once established they cope well with dry spells—ideal for New Zealand’s variable climate. Mulching around the base helps conserve moisture and keep roots cool. If you’re inspired to add more conifers to your collection, consider exploring Chamaecyparis lawsoniana (Lawson Cypress) for a selection of cultivars and sizes.

Landscaping Ideas and Companion Planting

The lawson cypress tree is tremendously versatile: plant singly for an elegant focal point, group in rows for stately avenues, or use as a dense screen for privacy. This conifer pairs beautifully with deciduous trees and ornamental grasses, enabling year-round contrast and texture. For gardens with damp or boggy soils, consider planting alongside cypresses such as Taxodium distichum Cascade Falls or Taxodium Mexicanum (Mexican Swamp Cypress) for a lush, waterside effect. Other excellent companion trees include Taxodium distichum (Bald Cypress) and Taxodium mucronatum (Montezuma Cypress), each offering their own unique structure and seasonal colour.

Find Your Perfect Lawson Cypress

Ready to transform your garden with the timeless beauty of the lawson cypress tree? Explore our range of conifers, including Chamaecyparis lawsoniana (Lawson Cypress), and discover the ideal specimen for your site and style. With expert advice and top-quality plants, we’re here to help you create lasting landscapes that thrive in New Zealand's climate.


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

–The Plant Company

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