Chamaecyparis thyoides var. henryae 'Red Velvet', Red Velvet White Cedar

Chamaecyparis thyoides, also known commonly as Atlantic white cypress or Atlantic white-cedar, is native to the east coast of North America, more specifically: acidic and sandy wetlands of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. 'Red Velvet' is a "juvenile-leaved" selection of C. thyoides var. henryae, a sub-species specific to the south. "Juvenile-leaved" means that it keeps its immature or juvenile leaf form throughout its life cycle, so 'Red Velvet' will never grow up! Although it will get taller. The summer foliage is blueish green and then turns a reddish purple over the winter. It does best in full sun. Expect it to be an evergreen shrub or small tree with a columnar shape, eventually reaching 12-15 feet high and 6-8 feet wide.

Note: 'Red Velvet' looks similar to 'Rubicon', introduced in the 1960's, but is reported to be a much better garden plant.

************************************************

*Growth rate, habit: average, columnar

*Mature size: 12-15 ft high and 6-8 ft wide in 10 years

*Soil/water: acidic/average to wet

*Cold hardiness temperature: 0-5 degrees Fahrenheit (zone 7)

*Light: full to partial sun

*Features: blueish green foliage in summer

*Special considerations: performs best in full sun