Italian Cypress

 In
Italian Cypress

Cupressus sempervirens var. stricta
Cupressus sempervirens var. stricta
Tuscan Cypress
Eastern Mediterranean and western Asia.
30

40 feet
4

6 feet
  • Full Sun
  • Very Low
  • Deer Resistant
  • Evergreen

About This Plant

Sun; evergreen. The classical Italian cypress grows like an exclamation point in the landscape. It’s useful as a specimen or along driveways; it can also be used to soften hard angles. In ideal circumstances and perfect well-drained soil conditions, it can tolerate hot, dry summers. However, these conditions are hit-or-miss in the San Antonio area, and even full-grown specimens suffer in extreme cold; many were lost in the extreme freezes of 2021.

 

Maintenance

Italian cypress suffers when drainage is poor; soil amendments like compost at the time of planting can help, especially in heavy clay soils, but long-term, preventing root rot requires avoiding excessive soil moisture. Avoid piling mulch and soil in direct contact with the trunk, and make sure to expose the root flare — this is part of the trunk, not the root, and should be exposed to air.

Features

Plant Type:
Small Tree
Size:
30-40' H, 4-6' W
Sunlight Requirements:
Full Sun
Soil Types:
Clay, Sandy, Thin
Wildlife:
Flower Color:
Bloom Time:
Freeze Hardy:
Yes
Invasive:
No
Caution:
None
Coupon Eligible:
No

This plant goes well with

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Bald cypress with seeds.