Hinoki Cypresses (often called “Soft Fern” or “Shell” Cypresses) are some of the most easygoing plants you can add to your garden. They’re naturally low-maintenance and grow into a beautiful, dense, compact shape all on their own without needing much help from us. In most cases, you can just put your feet up and let them do their thing! However, there are a few times when you might want to reach for those pruning shears.
Generally, no pruning is required
Because Hinoki Cypresses grow so slowly and keep such a tidy shape naturally, regular pruning isn’t part of the standard care routine. Most of the time, they look great without any intervention at all.
Reasons to prune
That said, there are a few specific situations where a little trim is actually a good idea:
- When you’re moving the cypress to a new spot in your yard.
- If you’re training your cypress as a bonsai.
- When you want to take cuttings to grow new baby plants.
Avoid radical pruning
One golden rule: avoid a “hard prune.” Because these beauties grow so slowly, they take a long time to bounce back if you cut them back too drastically. It’s always better to do a few light touch-ups over time rather than one aggressive chop.
Be careful with grafted plants
If you have a grafted Hinoki Cypress, you’ll want to be extra careful. Never cut below the graft union (the spot where the plant was joined to the rootstock), or you might end up with the base plant taking over. For grafted varieties, it’s best to keep pruning to an absolute minimum—or skip it entirely if you can.
Pruning during a move
If you’re transplanting your cypress, it’s a smart move to trim back both the branches and the roots slightly. This helps the plant focus its energy on establishing itself in its new home.
Hinoki Cypress as Bonsai
If you’re growing a bonsai, you’ll definitely be getting more use out of your shears. To keep that perfect miniature shape, you should pinch back or trim the tips of the new growth about every six to eight weeks. Just be sure not to cut back into the old, woody parts of the branch.
Pruning for propagation
If you’re looking to propagate your cypress, you’ll need to take some cuttings. Look for healthy shoots and aim for a length of about 6 inches (15 cm) for the best results.
Root pruning when repotting
Whenever you’re repotting a container-grown cypress or a bonsai, it’s the perfect time for a quick root checkup. Trim away any dried-out or dead roots, and give the healthy ones a light trim (just an inch or so) to encourage fresh growth.
Safety first: Hinoki Cypresses are toxic
One quick heads-up: Hinoki Cypresses are actually toxic. Before you start pruning, make sure to wear gardening gloves and long sleeves. The sap can cause skin irritation or rashes if you aren’t careful, so it’s better to stay covered up!
