Cupressus macrocarpa (Monterey Cypress)
Monterey Cypress, Cupressus lambertiana, Hesperocyparis macrocarpa
Picturesque, Cupressus macrocarpa (Monterey Cypress) is a fast-growing, large evergreen conifer of narrow and pyramidal habit in youth, becoming wide-spreading and irregular with age. Its foliage is rich dark green through the seasons and is not resinous. The ravishing bark is pale reddish-brown with shallow ridges, splitting into grayish, scaly plates. The globose, shining greenish-brown cones, 1 in. across (2.5 cm), are usually solitary, on a short, thick stalk. Native to the Central Coast of California, Monterey Cypress has a high wind tolerance, becoming increasingly more attractive under heavy wind conditions. It is extensively planted in the coastal districts of southern Australia as a barrier against the 'Roaring Forties' winds.
- Grows up to 40-70 ft. tall (12-21 m) and 20-80 ft. wide (6-24 m).
- A full sun lover, this plant is easily grown in moist, well-drained soils. Tolerates dry conditions.
- Perfect as a specimen plant, hedges, and screens, Mediterranean gardens, or coastal gardens. Makes an excellent windshield in coastal areas.
- Low maintenance, no pruning required.
- Susceptible to coryneum canker when grown inland away from cool coastal winds.
- Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings.
- Native to California.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 7
– 11 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 7
– 11 |
Climate Zones | 17 |
Plant Type | Conifers, Trees |
Plant Family | Cupressus - Cypresses |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 40' – 70' (12m – 21m) |
Spread | 20' – 80' (6m – 24m) |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Native Plants | United States, California |
Tolerance | Salt |
Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Mediterranean Garden |
David Litman, Ross Gordon Henry, Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 7
– 11 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 7
– 11 |
Climate Zones | 17 |
Plant Type | Conifers, Trees |
Plant Family | Cupressus - Cypresses |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 40' – 70' (12m – 21m) |
Spread | 20' – 80' (6m – 24m) |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Native Plants | United States, California |
Tolerance | Salt |
Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Mediterranean Garden |