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Cupressus macrocarpa

Monterey cypress

A large evergreen tree to 30m, columnar when young, becoming wide-spreading and irregular with age, the dark green foliage in erect sprays, with globose cones 2-3cm across

Other common names
macrocarpa
Synonyms
Cupressus lambertiana
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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or North–facing or East–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
USA (California)

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Protect from cool, drying winds. Tolerates dry conditions. Can be used for hedging but will require regular pruning

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 various diseases including honey fungus and coryneum canker see Conifers: brown patches

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