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Cupressus lusitanica

Mexican cypress

A large conical or columnar coniferous tree with blue-green or grey-green foliage and rich brown, fissured, peeling bark

Other common names
cedar of Goa
Portuguese cypress
Synonyms
Cupressus glauca

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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Blue Green
Summer Blue Green
Autumn Blue Green
Winter Blue Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or North–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Cupressaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus

Cupressus are vigorous, evergreen trees with flaking or scaly bark, often with columnar or narrowly ovoid crowns, small, often aromatic, scale-like leaves and small, spherical female cones

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Mexico to C America

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Protect from cold, drying winds

Propagation

Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Coastal
  • Low Maintenance
  • Hedging and screens
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to cypress aphid

Diseases

May be susceptible to coryneum canker and honey fungus. See Conifers: brown patches

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