'Kosteri' is a dwarf cultivar of evergreen Hinoki cypress in the family Cupressaceae (cypress). The Latin name comes from the Greek word chamai , meaning “on the earth,” or dwarf, and kyparissos for “cypress.” The cultivar is named for the nursery (Koster & Son) where it was first seen, in the Netherlands. ‘Kosteri’ is a dwarf, loosely pyramidal form that matures slowly growing 2 to 4 feet tall and wide. This cultivar prefers moist but well-drained soil in full to part sun and has moderate drought tolerance once established. It remains compact without pruning. The ascending branches are large, with bright green, horizontal fans of lush, dense foliage. 'Kosteri' is resistant to browsing by deer. Use as a specimen in small spaces, in a container, or in rock gardens. Mass planted it can be pruned into a small hedge or planted along a foundation. The foliage becomes an attractive bronze color, providing winter interest in the landscape. Insects, Diseases, or Other Plant Problems: Somewhat susceptible to juniper blight, root rot, and insect pests such as bagworms. VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers," a plant identification course developed in partnership with Longwood Gardens. More information on Chamaecyparis obtusa .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Fills a similar nicheChamaecyparis obtusa 'Nana Lutea'Picea laxa 'Conica'Salvia rosmarinus
Full plant profile
Growing Conditions
Plant type
Shrub
Life cycle
Woody
USDA zones
4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Light
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
Clay; Loam (Silt); Sand
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist
Available space
3 feet-6 feet; 6-feet-12 feet
NC region
Coastal; Mountains; Piedmont
Mature size
Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in. | Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
Growth rate
Slow
Maintenance
Low
Canopy layer
3 - Shrub (3-15 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Ascending; Pyramidal
Foliage
Needled Evergreen
Leaf color
Green; White
Leaf type
Needles
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
Leaves are in lateral pairs and appressed to the stem. Bronze winter color.
Fall color
Brown/Copper
Flower detail
No true flowers - the pollen bearing cones are small and often reddish, growing from the branch tips.
Fruit color
Brown/Copper; Green
Fruit detail
No true fruit - female seed-bearing cones are green when immature turning to brown.