How to Grow Cupressus sempervirens Plants in your Garden

Gardener's HQ Guide to Growing Italian Cypress

The Cupressus sempervirens plant is an ornamental Cypress tree native to the Mediterranean. This evergreen can reach about 115 feet in height (35 m), but is usually about two thirds of this and is thus classified as a medium sized conifer.

It has dark green foliage that is carried in sprays. It carries ovoid seed cones that reach about 1 1/2 inches (4 cm) in length. The male cones are much smaller 1/5th of an inch (5 mm).

Italian cypress

Cupressus Sempervirens photograph by Nova Cook.

Italian Cypress performs best in dry areas with a Mediterranean climate and thus thrives in southern Australia, California, and South Africa. It also does well in more moderate cooler climates such as the UK, Pacific northwestern states, and even New Zealand. A lot of the main cultivars have been bred to have a fastigate (columnar, erect, parallel branches) nature. You may recognize this plant as being one of the favorites of the artist Vincent van Gough.

Quick Growing and Care Guide

Scientific name: Cupressus sempervirens
Common Name (s): Mediterranean cypress, Italian cypress, Tuscan cypress, Persian cypress, Pencil pine
Growing Zone (USA / UK Hardiness): 7 to 10 / H5

Plant Details

Life Cycle/Type: Evergreen, upright tree
Plant Height: 40 to 125 feet (12 to 38 m)
Plant Spread: 10 to 25 feet (3 to 8 m)
Blooms: Conifer, does not flower
Cone Details: Small spherical seed cones (female)
Leaf Foliage Details: Scaly bark, Scale leaves

Growing Conditions

Best Light Conditions: Full sun
Suitable Soil Types: Well drained. Sandy.
Soil Moisture: Medium
Sowing, planting, and Propagation: Semi-hardwood cuttings. From fresh seed in the autumn.

Further Information

Best used in: Near tall buildings, country roads, Rows, hedging if pruned.
Miscellaneous : Low to medium Maintenance. Looks good in the winter. Fairly drought tolerant. Protect from cooling winds. Protect from Cypress aphid
Family : Cupressaceae
Further Reading and References used: Wikipedia; Select tree

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