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Cupressus sempervirens (Italian Cypress)

Italian Cypress, Mediterranean Cypress

Cupressus sempervirens, Italian Cypress, Mediterranean Cypress, Evergreen Tree, Evergreen Conifer,
Cupressus sempervirens, Italian Cypress, Mediterranean Cypress, Evergreen Tree, Evergreen Conifer,

Architectural and long-lived, Cupressus sempervirens (Italian Cypress) is a narrow, columnar, evergreen conifer forming a handsome exclamation point in the landscape. Its upright branches are covered with green to bluish, scale-like leaves held in short flat sprays. The foliage is aromatic when crushed. The cones are ovoid, 1.5 in. across (3 cm), with scales having small bosses. Ideal for providing year-round structure, it makes a wonderful specimen plant and adds vertical lines to the landscape – as featured on postcards from Tuscany. It is said to live up to a thousand years (!). Perfect as an accent plant, in formal landscapes, allées, and containers. While it prefers hot, dry climates and well-drained soils, it survives in the heat and humidity of the Southeast.

  • Grows up to 40-70 ft. tall (12-21 m) and 10-20 ft. wide (3-6 m).
  • A full sun lover, this plant is easily grown in moist, well-drained soils. Protect from cool, drying winds. Tolerates dry conditions. Drought tolerant once established.
  • Perfect as a specimen plant.
  • Low maintenance, no pruning required.
  • Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings.
  • Native to the eastern Mediterranean across to Iran.

Requirements

Hardiness 7 - 9
Heat Zones 3 - 9
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Conifers, Trees
Plant Family Cupressaceae
Genus Cupressus
Common names Italian Cypress
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 40' - 70'
(12.2m - 21.3m)
Spread 10' - 20'
(3m - 6.1m)
Spacing 240" (6.1m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought
Garden Styles Coastal Garden, Mediterranean Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Cupressus cashmeriana (Kashmir Cypress)
Cupressus arizonica (Arizona Cypress)
Cupressus x leylandii (Leyland Cypress)
Chamaecyparis thyoides (Atlantic White Cedar)
Chamaecyparis nootkatensis ‘Green Arrow’ (Nootka Cypress)
Cupressus macrocarpa (Monterey Cypress)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Roots of Life: Exploring the Diverse World of Trees
37 Best Evergreen Trees for Privacy and Year-Round Interest
Cypress Tree: Popular Varieties and Growing Guide
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.
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Requirements

Hardiness 7 - 9
Heat Zones 3 - 9
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Conifers, Trees
Plant Family Cupressaceae
Genus Cupressus
Common names Italian Cypress
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 40' - 70'
(12.2m - 21.3m)
Spread 10' - 20'
(3m - 6.1m)
Spacing 240" (6.1m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought
Garden Styles Coastal Garden, Mediterranean Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Cupressus (Cypress)
Guides with
Cupressus (Cypress)
Not sure which Cupressus (Cypress) to pick?
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