Soft Serve False Cypress

Soft Serve® is an evergreen Sawara false cypress with a compact pyramidal outline and soft, fern-like foliage that is green above and silvery blue underneath. It provides year-round structure in a border, hedge, or specimen planting. ## Landscape use and form The [Proven Winners profile](https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/chamaecyparis/soft-serve-false-cypress-chamaecyparis-pisifera) identifies the cultivar as Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Dow Whiting’ and describes its conical form and two-tone evergreen foliage. The [plant patent](https://patents.google.com/patent/USPP20883P2/en) confirms the cultivar denomination and foliage colors; it was granted March 23, 2010. Use this false cypress in a shrub border, hedge, or as a specimen. ## Size and siting Published mature-size estimates differ. Proven Winners lists 15–18 feet high and 5–6 feet wide, while [Proven Winners Direct](https://provenwinnersdirect.com/products/soft-serve-false-cypress) lists 6–10 feet tall and wide; another [evergreen guide](https://www.gardendesign.com/shrubs/chamaecyparis.html) gives 6–10 feet high and 5–6 feet wide. Allow room for a substantial conifer and consider the variation among sources. Grow in full sun to part shade in moist, well-drained soil; protect exposed plants from harsh winter sun and wind. ## Maintenance Keep the root zone evenly moist during establishment and extended dry weather, but avoid standing water. The breeder says pruning is rarely needed. If a smaller outline is desired, lightly shape the outer growth in summer without cutting back into bare wood.