TL
Family
Cupressaceae
Botanical Name
Cupressus sempervirens
Plant Common Name
Italian Cypress
General Description
Italian cypress is a narrow, columnar evergreen tree native to western Asia and southern Europe. Its dark green to blue-green soft-scaled needles are short and wispy, and help hide the small oval tan cones.
Grow Italian cypress in full sun in average to dry soil with good drainage. Although it grows in several warm temperate climates, it will be troublesome to maintain in regions with high humidity, copious summer rains or cool summer temperatures. Best used as a screen or feature plant lining a boulevard or long walkway in front of a classic-architecture building, or framing a view or piece of sculpture.
There are many cultivars with varying heights and foliage colors, including the blue-green 'Glauca', golden needled 'Swane's Gold' and dwarf 'Tiny Tower.'
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 3
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USDA Hardiness Zone
7 - 10
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Sunset Zone
8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21
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Plant Type
Needled or Scaled Evergreen
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
30'-60' / 9.1m - 18.3m (40)
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Width
5'-10' / 1.5m - 3.0m
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Bloom Time
Spring
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Native To
Southern Europe, Mediterranean, Western Asia
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam
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Tolerances
Drought, Salt
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Narrow Upright/Fastigiate
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
None
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Fruit Color
Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Dark Green
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Bark Color
Brown
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
Yes
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Fine
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
