About

Cupressus sempervirens is a medium-sized, perennial tree that can grow up to 45 meters tall, characterized by its upright, columnar form. The foliage consists of dark green, scale-like leaves measuring 2-5 mm in length, arranged in dense clusters along the rounded tips of the upward-reaching branches. Its cones are either globular or elongated, measuring 2-3 cm in diameter, featuring scales with prominent knobs.

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
North-facing, East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Plant type
Trees
Habit
Columnar upright
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
Higher than 12 metres
Spread
2.5-4 metres
Time to full height
20-50 years
Suggested uses
Coastal, Architectural
Native to
Mediterranean & W Asia

Care notes

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