Japanese or Sawara Falsecypress is said to prefer cooler climates, which would not predict success in the Atlanta metro, yet many of these have performed well here.

Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Snow'

Plant Delight predicted size: 4 ft tall and wide

Bloom prediction: 4 ft tall and 3 ft. wide

What was I thinking? I have to admit that I knew this would be too big for the dwarf conifer garden but I didn't have my plant buyers' support group with me, so I bought it anyway.

It is sitting quietly among our tall loblolly pines, appreciating the semi-shade it receives. The soil was not amended at all and it receives no supplemental water and still it is alive. Tough plant. Have to wonder how big it will get and whether I will live long enough to find out.

Chamaecyparis pisifera 'filifera aurea'

local nursery tag: 3.5 ft tall and 4.5 ft wide
Bloom prediction: 4 x 4 ft. in 10 years, but ultimately
23-33 ft high x 16-23 ft. wide

Who knows? It is already 4 ft. tall and at least 3 ft wide. It is a big droopy thing with glorious color. It looks good with yellow flowered perennials and bulbs. I unfortunately planted it in a bed where it is quite crowded. It would look better standing out where it could have it's own space, perhaps with some nondescript solid green conifers behind it to highlight the wonderful golden color. If Adrian Bloom is right about this plant, I'm in big trouble!   It sits in full sun, facing west.