Chamaecyparis obtusa Night Light™ ('Conschlecht') PP24666

While Chamaecyparis obtusa Night Light™ does not attract specific pollinators or wildlife for food, its dense structure provides shelter and cover for small birds and insects. It is deer-resistant, making it a durable choice for gardens where deer browsing is a concern.

Night Light™ is an evergreen, providing year-round interest with its glowing golden foliage that remains vibrant even during the winter months.

With its rich golden hue and fine, wispy texture, Night Light adds instant visual interest when planted as a stand-alone specimen in garden beds, entryways, or small landscape islands. Its vibrant color draws attention and offers contrast against darker foliage.

Slow-growing and naturally compact (reaching about 2–3 feet tall and wide), Night Light is an excellent choice for large decorative containers. It brings evergreen color and structure to patios, balconies, or porch displays throughout the seasons.

The foliage of Night Light™ Hinoki Cypress is finely textured and scale-like, with a warm golden-yellow hue. The leaves are arranged in flattened sprays that create a soft, feathery appearance. New growth emerges bright yellow, which contrasts beautifully with the older, deeper green foliage, providing a glowing effect in the landscape.

• Flowering Season: Chamaecyparis obtusa Night Light™ does not produce showy flowers, as it is grown primarily for its attractive, colorful foliage and its conical, structural form.
• Flower Description: While not grown for its flowers, Night Light™ may produce inconspicuous, small cones that add subtle texture. These cones are typically brown and blend into the overall structure of the plant, adding to its ornamental appeal.

• When to Plant: Plant in early spring or fall to give the shrub time to establish before the heat of summer or the cold of winter.
• How to Plant: Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball. Place the plant so the root ball is level with the surrounding soil, then backfill and water thoroughly. Space plants 3-4 feet apart to allow for mature growth and air circulation.

Pruning is generally not necessary for Night Light™, as it maintains a naturally symmetrical shape. However, light pruning can be done in early spring to remove any dead or damaged branches or to lightly shape the plant. Avoid heavy pruning, as this can disrupt its natural growth habit.

Night Light™ has moderate water needs. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. After the first year, it is relatively drought-tolerant but will perform best with consistent moisture. Ensure the soil is well-drained, as the plant does not tolerate waterlogged conditions.

• This Hinoki Cypress thrives in full sun to partial shade. For the best foliage color, plant Night Light™ in a location that receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It can tolerate some shade but may develop a deeper green color with less vibrant yellow in low-light conditions.

Night Light™ is grown for its ornamental value and is not typically harvested. However, the attractive foliage can be cut and used in fresh or dried floral arrangements for added texture and color.

Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or a specialized evergreen fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can encourage overly rapid growth that may compromise the plant's natural shape. A light application of compost or organic matter will also help enrich the soil.

• Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
• Soil: Night Light™ prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. It can tolerate a variety of soil types but performs best in rich, loamy soils. Ensure good drainage, as this plant does not tolerate waterlogged conditions.
• Disease and Pest Resistance: This plant is generally resistant to most pests and diseases. Good air circulation and well-drained soil will help prevent any potential fungal issues, though these are rare.

As a conifer, Chamaecyparis obtusa Night Light™ does not require pollination for ornamental value. It produces small cones rather than flowers, and these cones may be pollinated by the wind.

Heuchera (Coral Bells) – Especially dark-leaved varieties like ‘Obsidian’, ‘Black Pearl’, or ‘Palace Purple’ create stunning contrast with the bright gold tones of Night Light.

Carex oshimensis ‘Everillo’ – A lime-green ornamental sedge that echoes Night Light’s fine texture but softens the palette with a more grassy look.

Lavandula (Lavender) – Cool-toned silvery foliage and purple blooms offer aromatic contrast while thriving in similar sun and drainage conditions.

Astilbe – Tall, feathery blooms in pink, white, or red add soft summer texture and thrive in partial shade, pairing well with Night Light in a mixed border.

Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) – Bold, upright daisy-like blooms provide pollinator interest and strong visual contrast to the fine needles of Night Light.

Helleborus (Lenten Rose) – Early blooming perennials for part shade that offer evergreen foliage and seasonal interest in late winter and early spring.

Thymus serpyllum (Creeping Thyme) – Perfect for sunny rock gardens, this fragrant, low-growing groundcover fills spaces with color and texture.

Sedum ‘Angelina’ – A vibrant, trailing succulent with golden foliage that intensifies in cool weather, echoing the golden hues of Night Light.