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Few landscape accents command attention like the graceful, curtain-like branches of a mature Alaskan Weeping Cedar. This striking conifer offers year-round structure and a dramatic silhouette that transforms tight garden corners and entryway beds into focal points. The challenge, however, lies in sourcing a specimen that actually survives transplant shock and develops into that stately 35-foot form you envision — not a fragile rooted cutting that stalls at six inches.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I spend my time comparing nursery stock specifications, analyzing customer photos against marketing claims, and cross-referencing hardiness zone data to separate premium-grade live plants from overpriced plugs.
Buyers often confuse generic weeping trees with the true Alaskan Cedar variety. This guide breaks down the sizing, root development, and shipping realities you need to confidently choose the alaskan weeping cedar that will thrive in your landscape for decades.
How To Choose The Best Alaskan Weeping Cedar
Selecting a live tree online comes with unique risks that hardware buyers never face. The tree you unbox may look nothing like the mature specimen in the product photo, and the window for successful transplanting is tight. Here are the three most important criteria to evaluate before clicking buy.
Shipped Size vs. Advertised Mature Height
A mature Alaskan Weeping Cedar can reach 35 feet tall and 10 feet wide, but what arrives at your door is typically a first- or second-year grafted cutting between 6 and 12 inches tall. Sellers who list only the mature height without stating the shipped container size are banking on your imagination. Look for listings that explicitly state the current pot size (e.g., 4-inch cup, 1-gallon pot) and the age of the tree. A legit 2-year-old tree in a 4-inch container is reasonable; a listing that ships a “tree” but arrives as a 6-inch rooted cutting with a single sprout is a red flag.
Rootstock Quality and Graft Union Integrity
The Alaskan Weeping Cedar is almost always grafted onto hardy rootstock. The graft union — the swollen knot where the weeping top meets the upright rootstock — must be clean, firm, and free of cracks or rot. A weak graft means the tree will either snap at the base in strong wind or eventually reject the weeping top, reverting to upright growth. Reputable growers ship trees with the graft union protected and clearly above the soil line so you can inspect it upon arrival. Avoid sellers who bury the graft or ship trees that are too immature to have a developed union.
Hardiness Zone Match and Shipping Season
This tree performs best in USDA zones 4 through 8. If you live outside that range, even a healthy tree will struggle and eventually die. Beyond zone matching, pay attention to the shipping season. Dormant bare-root trees should be shipped in early spring or late fall when the tree is not actively growing. If a seller ships a container-grown Alaskan Weeping Cedar during midsummer heat, the stress of travel and repotting can kill the tree before it even gets into the ground. Always read recent reviews from buyers in your zone to verify that the tree arrived alive and leafed out on schedule.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weeping Alaska Cedar – Chamaecyparis Nootkatensis ‘Pendula’ | True Weeping Cedar | Authentic variety for landscape accent | Mature 35 ft tall, 10 ft wide | Amazon |
| Wintergreen Weeping Fig Tree | Indoor Fig | Low-light indoor greenery | Reaches ~2-3 ft indoors | Amazon |
| American Red Maple | Shade Maple | Fast shade in zones 3-9 | Shipped 3 ft tall | Amazon |
| Shidare Yoshino Japanese Weeping Cherry | Flowering Weeping | White spring blossoms, weeping form | Mature 20 ft tall | Amazon |
| Tree of Enchantment Mini Weeping Pussy Willow | Mini Weeping Bonsai | Patio or windowsill weeping accent | 6-inch pot, bendable branches | Amazon |
| Chamaecyparis p. ‘True Blue’ (False Cypress) | Blue Foliage Cypress | Blue needle contrast in garden beds | Mature 4 ft tall | Amazon |
| Weeping Willow 4-5ft | Fast-Growing Willow | Rapid shade near water features | Mature 30-40 ft tall | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Weeping Alaska Cedar – Chamaecyparis Nootkatensis ‘Pendula’ – 2 Year Live Plant
This is the listing that matches the actual Alaskan Weeping Cedar species — Chamaecyparis nootkatensis ‘Pendula’ — not a generic weeping substitute. The seller specifies a 2-year-old live plant with an upright trunk, arched side branches, and dark green foliage that develops the classic weeping curtain shape. Mature dimensions of 35 feet tall by 10 feet wide make this a legitimate option for creating a stately solo accent in smaller yards or tight planting beds.
Customer feedback reveals a split experience: buyers who received strong plants in early spring report healthy growth months after planting, with one noting the tree “arrived quickly and in good health” and was still thriving in July after a March planting. However, multiple verified reviews describe a much smaller specimen than expected — one called it a “~9-inch rooted cutting in pot” resembling a bonsai, and another measured just 6.5 inches tall in a 4×3 inch cup. The gap between the marketing imagery and the shipped reality is significant.
The tree is rated very hardy, drought tolerant once established, and grows well in full sun to partial shade across zones 4 through 8. If you expect a starter stick that needs years of patience, this is the true species. If you want something resembling a small tree on arrival, adjust expectations accordingly or look for a larger container size from a different grower.
What works
- Authentic Pendula variety with correct weeping genetics
- Hardy and drought tolerant once established in zones 4-8
- Strong upright trunk architecture rated for tight spaces
What doesn’t
- Shipped as a small rooted cutting, not a mature tree as images suggest
- Multiple buyers received 6 to 9-inch plants, considered overpriced for the size
- Graft quality varies — some arrived fragile and bonsai-like
2. Wintergreen Weeping Fig Tree – Ficus – Great Indoor Tree for Low Light – 8″ Pot
This is a Ficus benjamina, not a cedar, but it earns a mention because many gardeners seeking a “weeping” aesthetic indoors turn to this versatile tree. Shipped in an 8-inch pot, it typically arrives around 2 feet tall with thin, arching branches and dark green leaves. It thrives in low-light indoor conditions where outdoor conifers cannot survive, making it a practical alternative for apartment dwellers or shaded offices.
Reviews are overwhelmingly positive: one buyer received a ~2-foot healthy ficus that “suffered a bit from shipping, but after TLC the plant is thriving.” Another reported the tree lasted four years with proper pruning, reaching about 3 feet tall and staying pest-free. The single complaint of roaches in the soil is an outlier, but it underscores the importance of repotting and inspecting any live plant immediately upon arrival.
Care is straightforward — keep the soil evenly moist, provide bright indirect light, and prune to shape. It will not produce the weeping curtains of an Alaskan Cedar, but its graceful drooping habit and resilience make it a strong indoor alternative.
What works
- Thrives in low light, perfect for indoor spaces
- Arrives healthy at roughly 2 feet tall in an 8-inch pot
- Responds well to pruning and can be shaped into a small tree
What doesn’t
- Not a conifer — completely different growth habit and care needs
- Some arrived thinner than product photos suggest
- Risk of soil pests if not repotted immediately
3. American Red Maple Shade Tree – Live Plant Shipped 3 Feet Tall by DAS Farms
This American Red Maple ships at a substantial 3 feet tall — a notable size advantage over the small cuttings typical of weeping cedar listings. DAS Farms double-boxes the tree for safe transport and guarantees successful transplant for 30 days if planting instructions are followed. Thriving in zones 3 through 9 with full sun, this is a fast-growing shade tree that develops brilliant red fall color, not a weeping conifer.
Buyers consistently praise the packaging and health of the tree. One review states the 4-foot-tall tree arrived “well packaged, healthy, and larger than expected,” while another noted it “began to grow and produce leaves within a week of being planted.” A few customers found the tree slightly smaller than anticipated, but most agree it leafed out quickly and showed strong growth after consistent watering.
If your goal is rapid shade and ornamental fall color rather than weeping evergreen structure, this maple delivers reliable results at a fair size. It is not an Alaskan Cedar, but it serves a completely different landscape role with far less size disappointment.
What works
- Shipped at a generous 3 feet tall, far larger than typical starter plugs
- Strong root system with quick leaf-out after planting
- 30-day transplant guarantee adds peace of mind
What doesn’t
- Not a weeping tree or conifer — different growth form and habit
- Some arrived slightly smaller than the 3-foot description
- High water needs — requires 1-2 gallons daily during establishment
4. Shidare Yoshino Japanese Weeping Cherry – White Flowering Tree – Live Plant Shipped 1 to 2 Feet Tall by DAS Farms
For gardeners who want the weeping form plus seasonal white blossoms, this Shidare Yoshino cherry is a strong candidate. DAS Farms ships it in a gallon pot at 1 to 2 feet tall with a 30-day transplant guarantee. It thrives in zones 4 to 8 with full to part sun and reaches a mature height of 20 feet — smaller than the Alaskan Cedar’s 35 feet, making it better suited for compact landscapes.
Customer experiences are mixed in the same way as other live tree listings. Several buyers received a “beautiful and healthy” tree with clear care instructions and small green shoots. One reviewer called it “amazing” and said the seller was “careful and excellent.” On the other hand, one verified customer received a dead dry stick that snapped in half after nine days, and another bluntly warned the tree was “more of a stick than a tree” and recommended buying a larger size.
The weeping cherry grows faster than the Alaskan Cedar and delivers dramatic spring flowers, but it is deciduous — it loses its leaves in winter. If year-round evergreen structure is non-negotiable, stick with the true cedar. If you want weeping drama with a floral payoff, this cherry delivers.
What works
- Beautiful weeping form with white spring blossoms
- Shipped in a gallon pot at a reasonable 1-2 foot size
- 30-day transplant guarantee from a known nursery
What doesn’t
- Deciduous — no winter foliage, unlike the Alaskan Cedar
- Some arrived as a dry stick with no growth
- Small size at shipping requires several years to look substantial
5. Tree of Enchantment Mini Weeping Pussy Willow Tree – 6″ Pot
This mini weeping pussy willow is a charming novelty rather than a landscape tree. Shipped in a 6-inch pot at roughly 12 inches tall, its branches arch straight down and can be gently bent to create unique shapes. It is a deciduous bonsai-style plant, not an evergreen, so it loses leaves in winter but produces fuzzy catkins in early spring.
Buyers are uniformly delighted with the presentation. One review gushes: “It’s so dang cute I just love it! I can’t wait to see it start to bloom!!” Another says it is “the best purchase from Amazon to date.” The packaging is consistently praised, and the tree arrives undamaged with small leaves or buds already visible. The only negative feedback involves a strong odor from overly wet roots in one case, but this appears to be an isolated shipping issue.
This is not an Alaskan Cedar — it is a miniature patio plant for those who want weeping aesthetics in a tiny package. If you have limited space or want an indoor/patio accent, this is a fun option. If you need a full-size landscape specimen, move on.
What works
- Perfectly formed mini weeping structure on arrival
- Excellent packaging — arrives clean and undamaged
- Bendable branches allow creative shaping
What doesn’t
- Deciduous — no winter presence
- Not a conifer or landscape tree — strictly a patio bonsai
- Small size may feel underwhelming as a gift or standalone piece
6. Chamaecyparis p. ‘True Blue’ (False Cypress) Evergreen, blue foliage, 2 – Size Container
This ‘True Blue’ false cypress is not a weeping cedar, but it shares the same Chamaecyparis genus and offers striking blue needle foliage that contrasts beautifully with dark green weeping cedars. Shipped in a 2-gallon container, it arrives as a mature shrub about 2 feet tall with dense, feathery blue-grey foliage. It is slow-growing with a mature height of around 4 feet, making it ideal for foundation plantings or mixed borders.
Buyers consistently commend the size and health of the plant. One reviewer states, “Arrived in excellent condition, well-packaged, vibrant green leaves, correct size” and notes the price was significantly lower than local growers. Another reports the plant is “vigorous, healthy, green” and deer-resistant, requiring extra water only in the first season. A single review noted dead sections on one of four plants, but the shrub regrew and the overall experience was positive.
If you want a blue-toned evergreen to pair with your Alaskan Cedar, this is a reliable, healthy choice that ships at a decent size. It will not weep or reach 35 feet, but its compact habit and unique color make it a smart companion plant.
What works
- Shipped in a generous 2-gallon container with vibrant foliage
- Deer-resistant and low-maintenance after first season
- Excellent value compared to local nursery prices
What doesn’t
- Not a weeping tree — upright, rounded shrub form
- Very slow-growing — mature height only 4 feet
- Occasional dead sections from shipping stress
7. Weeping Willow 4-5ft by PERFECT PLANTS
Weeping willows are the anti-cedar: they grow at an explosive rate of 8 to 10 feet per year, reaching 30 to 40 feet tall in maturity. This listing from PERFECT PLANTS ships a live tree at 4 to 5 feet tall — the largest starter size of any product in this roundup. Its free-flowing light-green foliage arches dramatically, making it a bold standalone accent near ponds, patios, or large open lawns.
Reviews are largely enthusiastic, especially from buyers who have watched the tree mature over years. One customer reported that a tree ordered in April 2021 was “now 30 feet tall and the happiest tree in my yard.” Another noted the tree arrived “packaged well, very alive and healthy, little over 5ft tall.” The primary caveat is price: one buyer found weeping willows at a local farm store for “less than half the price” and felt the Amazon listing was overpriced. A single damaged tree arrived with blackened ends and bugs and ultimately died.
Weeping willows are deciduous, shed leaves annually, and require ample water. They are not a substitute for the evergreen, slow-growing Alaskan Cedar, but for fast shade and dramatic weeping structure, nothing beats them. Check local availability first; if you can buy cheaper locally, do it.
What works
- Shipped at 4-5 feet tall — the largest starter of the group
- Explosive growth rate — 8-10 feet per year in ideal conditions
- Dramatic, iconic weeping silhouette
What doesn’t
- Significantly cheaper at local nurseries and farm stores
- Deciduous — no winter foliage, messy leaf drop
- High water needs; not suited for dry landscapes
Hardware & Specs Guide
Graft Union & Rootstock
An Alaskan Weeping Cedar is typically grafted onto Chamaecyparis nootkatensis rootstock. The graft union should be clean and located 2-4 inches above the soil line. A weak graft can fail within 2-3 years, causing the weeping top to die back while the rootstock sends up upright shoots. Inspect the union upon arrival — any cracking, swelling, or discoloration increases the risk of long-term failure. Reputable growers wrap the union to protect it during shipping and provide instructions to keep it exposed after planting.
Shipped Container Size & Age
Most Alaskan Weeping Cedar starters come in 4-inch to 1-gallon containers. A 2-year-old tree in a 4-inch cup is normal and should measure 6 to 12 inches above the soil. Avoid listings that only mention mature height without stating the current container size or age. A tree shipped in a 1-gallon pot at 12-18 inches tall has a significantly better survival rate and shorter establishment period than a 6-inch rooted cutting in a 3-inch cup.
FAQ
How fast does an Alaskan Weeping Cedar grow?
Can I grow an Alaskan Weeping Cedar in a container?
What causes the graft union on a weeping cedar to fail?
How do I know if my tree is actually an Alaskan Weeping Cedar?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners seeking a true landscape specimen, the alaskan weeping cedar winner is the Chamaecyparis Nootkatensis ‘Pendula’ from Japanese Maples and Evergreens because it is the only listing offering the authentic species with correct mature dimensions — though be prepared for a 6-to-12-inch starter stick. If you want a weeping tree that arrives closer to tree size, grab the Weeping Willow 4-5ft from PERFECT PLANTS. And for a weeping accent on a patio or windowsill, nothing beats the Mini Weeping Pussy Willow from Hirt’s Gardens.