Chamaecyparis thyoides ssp. henryae 'Red Velvet'

Other Names:  Red Velvet White Cedar, Red Star White Cypress

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Discovered and introduced by Florida’s Blue River Nursery, Chamaecyparis thyoides ssp. henryae 'Red Velvet' is a subspecies and rare selection of our native White Cedar that is much easier to grow in home gardens than the original species, Chamaecyparis thyoides, which doesn't seem to like life outside its native wetland habitat. On the other hand, Red Velvet is a superb garden plant that readily adapts to and thrives in average garden soils. It grows well under dryer and warmer conditions, as well as wet, and grows much faster at a rate of 15 to 18 inches per year with six or more hours of sunlight daily. It displays soft-looking, blue-green foliage with star-shaped leaves that turn to a beautiful purple-red shade throughout the winter. Its upright, narrow form, color, and texture make for a beautiful evergreen accent tree in sunny landscape borders, home foundation plantings, or as a container centerpiece.

The Red Velvet Cedar is very easy to grow in well-drained soil with average fertility and full to mostly sun. Though it will tolerate some shade, we suggest six hours of sunlight daily for the best foliage density and color. It is moderately drought tolerant but appreciates occasional water to maintain moist soil during extended summer droughts. Otherwise, maintenance is minimal, with no pruning required. Provide a light application of slow-release shrub & tree fertilizer in spring.