Italian cypress is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 60 feet tall. It has a narrow, columnar growth habit and dark green needles. Italian cypress is a popular choice for hedges and topiary because of its dense growth habit.
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Ceanothus Italian Skies
Related plant:
Italian Cypress Trees
About soil condition, Italian cypress prefer well-drained soils, and are tolerant of most soil types except for wet, poorly-drained soils. They are not drought tolerant and will not survive in soils that are constantly wet.
So, like the other Mediterranean evergreens, Italian cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. They are drought tolerant once established, but perform best with regular watering, especially during hot, dry summers. These elegant, columnar trees make excellent specimen plants and can be used as living privacy screens or living fences.
The temperature conditions that are most ideal for Italian cypress are those that are mild and not overly hot. This tree does best in temperatures that hover around 68°F during the day and 58°F at night. During the hottest months of summer, Italian cypress can suffer if temperatures climb too high. If conditions are too hot and dry, this tree may drop its needles and even die.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 40% The Italian cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) is an evergreen tree of the Mediterranean region. It is a tall, slender tree with a conical shape and it is an important part of the landscape in Italy. The Italian cypress is tolerant of a wide range of conditions, but it prefers a sunny location and well-drained soil. It is not tolerant of wet conditions and it will not survive in soils that are constantly wet. The ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 40%.
Mentioning fertilizer, usually the plant foods we use most often for cypress are the basic 16-4-8s or 15-5-10s. Just about anything with a 3:1:2 or 4:1:2 ratio will do. We like the 15-5-10 because it has a little extra phosphorus which is good for getting the roots established. For an organic alternative, you could try a 6-6-6 or 8-8-8.
Pruning is an important part of caring for your Italian cypress. By pruning, you can control the shape and size of the plant, as well as encourage new growth. When pruning, be sure to use sharp, clean pruning shears. Make sure to make clean, sharp cuts - avoid tearing or crushing the branches.
Propagation of Italian cypress is best done from seed, which should be sown in a cold frame in early spring. The seed should be stratified (placed in a cold moist environment for a period of time) for 3-4 weeks prior to planting. Once the seedlings have germinated, they can be planted out into individual pots and grown on in a cold frame or greenhouse until large enough to plant out into their permanent positions.
Usually, the plant growth rate rather quickly, adding three to five feet of growth each year. These fast-growing trees are often used as privacy screens or hedges because of their dense, columnar growth habit. Though they can be grown in a wide range of soil types, italian cypress prefer well-drained soil and full sun.
Common problems for this kind of plant are branch dieback, canker, and foilage decline. The best way to prevent these problems is to plant the tree in well-drained soil and to water it regularly. If you see any of these problems, prune the affected branches and dispose of them immediately.
Source:
Italian cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) | California State
Cupressus sempervirens, Italian cypress | Trees of Stanford
Italian Cypress - Cupressus sempervirens - PNW Plants
