About

Cupressus macrocarpa is a substantial evergreen tree that can reach heights of up to 30 meters. In its youth, it has a columnar shape, but as it matures, it develops a more sprawling and irregular form. The foliage consists of dark green sprays that grow upright, and it produces globular cones measuring between 2 to 3 centimeters in diameter.

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
South-facing, North-facing, East-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
2.5-4 metres
Time to full height
10-20 years
Suggested uses
Architectural, Coastal
Native to
USA (California)

Care notes

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