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Cupressus sempervirens

Italian cypress

A medium-sized, long-lived, evergreen tree, reaching to 45m in height, with a narrow, columnar habit. The dark green, scale-like leaves, 2-5mm long, are held in dense sprays on the rounded shoots of ascending branches. Cones are globose to oblong in shape, 2-3cm across, with scales having small bosses

Other common names
Mediterranean cypress
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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 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

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

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
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
Mediterranean & W Asia

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Protect from cool, drying winds. Tolerates dry conditions

Propagation

Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings

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

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to cypress aphid

Diseases

May be susceptible to coryneum canker and honey fungus

Get involved

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