Shoots with character
Small, densely clothed branchlets form distinct cylindrical lines rather than the flat sprays seen on many conifers.
Chamaecyparis 'El Paso' 9cm
Normal price
€17,00
What does the legal guarantee mean for plants?
The legal guarantee concerns the plant’s conformity at delivery. It is not a guarantee of survival or growth for two years. Each issue is assessed taking into account the nature of the plant, its care and the conditions in which it is kept. Your statutory rights remain unaffected.
Chamaecyparis thyoides ‘El Paso’
Not confused. Just growing its own way 🤠
- Evergreen conifer
- Distinctive branching
- Compact habit
- HTA 2026 category winner
Chamaecyparis thyoides ‘El Paso’ changes the way you picture a conifer. Dense shoots rise from a woody base, twisting gently and branching like small green fingers clothed in fine foliage. The result recalls a cactus or euphorbia, yet has the texture of an evergreen conifer. This new selection has a genuinely recognisable character: unusual from a distance and even more interesting when you move closer.
‘El Paso’ works like a small living sculpture. A simple decorative pot or an uncluttered position on the terrace reveals the branching and the contrast between the sturdy base and green tips. In a mixed border, broader leaves and arching lines from neighbouring plants bring its distinctive architecture into even sharper focus.
‘El Paso’ won Best in Category — Shrubs (including Conifers) & Climbers at the HTA New Plant Awards 2026.
What makes it special
This is more than a different colour on a familiar conifer. The distinction lies in its structure.
Dense branching
Numerous side branches and dense foliage create a full, compact crown.
Woody base, fine texture
As the plant develops, the base becomes more visibly woody, contrasting with the fine foliage on younger shoots.
Why you will love it: It has the presence of an unusual collector's plant, with the lasting structure of an evergreen conifer.
In the garden & on the balcony Placement & plant combinations A pot, a bright border and contrasting textures
Best position
Display it alone in a pot or at the front of a cool, well-drained border. Choose sun or bright partial shade; in very hot Greek summers, favour protection from intense afternoon heat and drying wind. Leave space around the crown so its branching remains visible.
Compatible planting
In bright partial shade, combine it with plants that enjoy organic matter and consistent moisture without standing water. These suggestions are for a garden composition, with room for each root system.
- Carex oshimensis ‘Evergold’ — low to one side, arching yellow-green ribbons soften the upright branching.
- Heuchera ‘Palace Purple’ — in front, broad purple foliage creates a clear colour contrast in drained, rather than waterlogged, soil.
- Polystichum setiferum — on the cooler, sheltered side, finely divided fern fronds add a different structure and texture.
Care at a glance
Light
Sun or bright partial shade. Acclimatise gradually when moving from indoors to outside.
Watering
Keep the rootball evenly moist. Its cactus-like appearance does not imply tolerance of prolonged drought.
Climate & hardiness
A cold-hardy conifer once acclimatised. Protect the small pot in particular and avoid moving directly from a warm room into frost.
Safety
An ornamental plant, not for consumption. Prevent pets from chewing it and wear gloves when grooming.
Detailed careComplete care guideLight, water, soil and acclimatisation
Position & light
In a garden or on a terrace, provide a bright position. Morning sun with light afternoon shade is a practical choice in hot regions, provided the plant is not left in permanent deep shade.
Water in a small pot
Check the 9 cm pot frequently, especially in heat and wind. Water as the surface starts to dry and allow excess water to drain away. Do not let the rootball dry out completely.
Soil & repotting
Choose organic-rich, slightly acidic to neutral soil that retains moisture while draining well. Pots need drainage holes and moderate increases in size. Keep the neck at its original planting level.
Winter & acclimatisation
The cultivar registration records hardiness to at least USDA Zone 6. This concerns an established, acclimatised plant; an exposed small pot and a plant grown indoors need additional protection.
Use indoors
The cultivar is also offered for indoor use. Choose a very bright, cool position away from radiators and monitor moisture in the mix. It is unsuitable for a dark, hot corner.
Feeding & natural form
During active growth, use gentle, complete nutrition suitable for ornamental conifers, following the label and accounting for initial nutrients in the mix. Regular clipping is unnecessary for character; remove only dry or damaged branchlets.
Development over timeFrom a small plant to a branched formEstablishment, a woody base and gradual filling of the crown
Establishment first
After repotting, balance between water and air around the roots comes first. A dense appearance develops through new branching rather than heavy pruning of a small plant.
Increasing ramification
The original shoots become woody and support younger side branches. The crown fills out, with a rounded outline and distinct green tips.
Space over time
An indicative height of approximately 75 cm and spread of 100 cm at ten years is reported. This is a time-specific estimate, not an ultimate ceiling; pot size, soil and climate influence development.
Indicative dimensions
At 10 yearsHeight ≈75 cmSpread ≈100 cm
Ten-year estimate, not an ultimate maximum. Schematic illustration of plant architecture.
How the crown fills out
DevelopmentYoung formFewer main branches
More developed formSide branching and a woody base
An evergreen crown that fills out with new branchlets. The two drawings show developmental states, not specific ages or fixed seasonal colour.
What to expect: The 9 cm pot is the current sale size. Denser, more developed branching requires time and suitable conditions.
History & origin Cultivar origin A natural mutation in the Netherlands, from ‘Alpica’ to ‘El Paso’
In spring 2020, at Wezep in the Netherlands, Henrik Christiaan Cozijn Rietberg noticed a different branch on a plant of Chamaecyparis thyoides ‘Alpica’. ‘El Paso’ arose from this natural branch mutation, with a more compact, densely branched form than its parent.
The first propagation by softwood cuttings took place in August 2020. Subsequent generations retained the selection's characteristics. Edens Creations introduced it and Edens Plants undertook its marketing; US plant patent USPP37,707 was granted on 22 September 2026.
Greenleaf for Plant NerdsScience nobody asked forBotanical details for anyone curious about what lies behind the plant’s appearance
Leaves with a keel
The slender leaf of ‘El Paso’ has a keeled cross-section: a raised lengthwise ridge. Its base continues down the branchlet, contributing to the continuous, textured surface.
Stomatal bands
Two parallel stomatal bands occur on the lower leaf surface. Stomata are microscopic openings that regulate gas exchange and water loss.
Frequently asked questions
The important differences from a cactus and the needs of this new cultivar.
01Is it a cactus or succulent?
No. It is a conifer in the Cupressaceae family. Its cactus-like impression comes from dense, unusual branchlets and does not mean it should remain dry for long periods.
02Can it live indoors?
Yes, it is also presented for indoor use, provided it has plenty of light and a position away from heating. Correct moisture in the small pot is especially important.
03Does it need pruning to develop this shape?
The distinctive branching belongs to the cultivar itself. You do not need to create it through strict clipping. Remove only dry or damaged parts.
04Does it stay exactly the same green all year?
Not necessarily. It is evergreen but may show seasonal changes in colour, particularly in autumn. Evergreen describes retention of foliage, rather than an absolutely fixed colour.
05Can I move it straight into the winter garden?
If it has been in a warm indoor setting, it needs gradual acclimatisation in mild conditions. Avoid sudden exposure to frost and protect the small pot.
06Which award has it won?
The HTA named it Best in Category for Shrubs (including Conifers) & Climbers at the New Plant Awards 2026. The distinction concerns that category, rather than the overall Best in Show title.
📦 Your plant travels protected
Every order is prepared with care so your plant arrives upright, secure and safe.
Individual protection
Plants in pots with a capacity of 3 litres or more are placed in individual boxes that hold the pot securely and reduce the risk of tipping over.
Sturdy packaging
We use reinforced cardboard designed to protect against impacts and vibration during transport.