Identifying trees can be a learning experience, except when it comes to the statuesque Italian Cypress, Cupressus sempervirens. This Italian cypress will grow to an average of 50 feet tall and spread just 4 to 5 feet, narrowing to a point at the crown.
Italian Cypress Care
Young trees grow up to 3 feet a year and slow down after attaining some maturity. It's used to border or screen other landscape elements in formal gardens, parks, and estate homes. Many cultivars are dwarfs, 10 to 30 feet tall by 1 to 3 feet wide, and are much more useful in many residential landscapes. In the right climate, this is a relatively easy tree to grow. Its structure, however, makes problems visible which can defeat the tree's purpose in the landscape. Read more about Best Trees For Privacy That Are Low Maintenance.
Light
Plant in full to partial sun with a minimum of four to six hours of direct or evenly filtered sunlight each day. If placed too close to a fence or building, the foliage becomes one-sided and uneven or stunted on that side. It will stand some shade but too much makes for a scraggly, leggy appearance with little beauty or interest.
Soil:
This evergreen will tolerate a wide range of soils, providing they are well draining. Sandy loam with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5 is ideal.
Water
Italian cypress prefers dry growing conditions. Water young trees regularly at ground level until they are established. Mature trees are drought tolerant and typically do well with average rainfall amounts within their growing zones. Overwatering will cause root rot, turning leaves and branches yellow and causing them to die back.
Temperature and Humidity
Likes hot, dry climates. Will abide by temperatures up to 125 degrees F, for short intervals if kept hydrated. Protect during winter when temperatures reach 10 degrees F. or below. Combine high temperatures with high humidity and this tree does much better than it would when it is cold and damp in the air.
Types
The Blue Italian Cypress, more commonly known as the Mediterranean Cypress, is a very fast-growing, dense variety reaching 40 to 60 feet in height with a spread of 5 to 10 feet and blue-green. Other noted cultivars would be the 'Green Pencil', which is the tallest at up to 115 feet, only spreading 3 feet with gray-green foliage. 'Swane's Golden' is a dwarf form bearing brilliant golden-yellow new growth, growing slowly to 20 feet tall and 3 feet wide. 'Swane's Variegated' is another dwarf form featuring dark green leaves splotched with yellow, maturing at 10 feet tall and 1 foot wide. The last one is 'Tiny Tower', a dwarf form that grows to 30 feet tall and 3 feet wide with dense, blue-green leaves. Read more about How To Plant, Prune, and Fertilize Cypress Trees.
FAQs
1. How large is a Dwarf Italian Cypress?
Dwarf Italian Cypress cultivars usually grow between 10 to 30 feet tall, depending on the cultivar type, but with a narrow spread that will be around 1-3' in width.
2. How often do I water my Dwarf Italian Cypress?
Watering Young Dwarf Italian Cypress trees regularly to grow deep roots. After establishment, they are drought-tolerant, so water deeply but infrequently to allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions.
3. What type of soil is best for planting a Dwarf Italian Cypress?
Dwarf Italian Cypress does well in well-drained soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. They do not perform well in waterlogged or clay-heavy soils, so good drainage is important.
4. Can you grow a Dwarf Italian Cypress in containers?
Yes, Dwarf Italian Cypress can be grown in large containers, thereby qualifying them for patios and small gardens. Make sure the container has good drainage and use a high-quality potting mix.
5. How do I prune and maintain the shape of my Dwarf Italian Cypress?
Prune sparingly, only to maintain form and for the removal of dead or diseased wood. The best time for pruning is late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Avoid heavy pruning since it tends to damage the tree and alter its natural form.