About

Cupressus lusitanica is a robust conifer that typically grows in a conical or columnar form. Its foliage displays a mix of blue-green to grey-green hues, while its bark is characterized by a rich brown color that peels and reveals fissures as it matures.

About the genus

Cupressus are robust, evergreen trees characterized by their flaking or scaly bark. They typically feature columnar or narrowly ovoid crowns, along with small, often fragrant, scale-like foliage. The female cones are small and spherical in shape.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained
Aspect
East-facing, South-facing, North-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H4

Plant details

Plant type
Conifers, Trees
Habit
Columnar upright
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
Higher than 12 metres
Spread
4-8 metres
Time to full height
20-50 years
Suggested uses
Architectural, Coastal
Native to
Mexico to C America

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Protect from cold, drying winds
Pruning
No pruning required
Propagation
Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to cypress aphid
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to coryneum canker and honey fungus. See Conifers: brown patches