Italian Cypress

The Italian Cypress is guaranteed to bring your landscape to new heights of sophistication! Unlike most other Cypress, this type grows in a straight, upright column. Meanwhile, it features dark evergreen foliage that grows remarkably dense. This means that it's perfect for a privacy screen.

Although not quite as fast-growing as a Green Giant Arborvitae or Leyland Cypress, this tree still grows like the wind! 2-3 feet yearly in favorable conditions. This means you won't be waiting long for them to fill in spots in your landscape.

This is an ideal candidate for adding a stately appearance to your home. Columnar foliage tapers to a point at the top, creating a spear-like tip. Whether planted in a row or individually, you'll be surprised at the elegant Mediterranean flair they add to the landscape.

Left untrimmed, this Cypress will reach 30-40' H x 5' W! Therefore, leave some vertical space for it to grow. Alternatively, you can prune them to your desired height.

There are numerous ways to use this classic selection. Line a long driveway, frame your home, add some interest next to a wall, or even use it in a planter! It won't let you down.

This cypress features an impressive frost-damage resistance as well.

Italian Cypress Care

Hardy in USDA Zones 7-11 and capable of withstanding temperatures between 0° and 5° F once fully established in the landscape.

Plant this Mediterranean tree in Full Sun to encourage dense growth and healthy foliage.

It adapts well to most soil types. However, well-draining, fertile soil generally provides the best results.

Water regularly after planting. 2 deep waterings a week should be sufficient for the first growing season. Check the soil regularly during this time to ensure that your soil is neither drying out or staying soggy. If this is the case, increase or decrease your watering accordingly. After the first growing season, supplementary watering is only needed in times of dry weather and intense heat. Once it has a couple of seasons under its belt, it's notably drought-tolerant.

Fertilize once or twice yearly, with the first application in early spring. A balanced slow-release fertilizer will provide plenty of nutrients to keep this beauty growing and shining.

How to Plant the Italian Cypress

First, find a suitable location for your tree(s). Then, dig a hole three times the width of the root ball of your plant. This will make it easier for the roots to spread out. The hole should be deep enough that your plant sits even with the soil around it. If your soil drains slowly, plant it slightly above the ground level by about 3-4 inches. Mix your native soil with rich garden soil to provide extra nutrients, this step isn’t 100% necessary for this variety. Backfill the hole with the soil mixture and top with 3-4 inches of mulch to help retain moisture. Soak the plant with the hose afterward to hydrate the plant and help all of the soil and mulch get situated.

Popular Italian Cypress Companion Plants

When choosing plants to accompany these trees, you'll be looking for plants that provide a notable color and texture contrast. Red roses, such as the Red Double Knock Out Rose, look fantastic in front of the upright, olive-green foliage. This is a sure-fire way to create an old-world, Mediterranean feel in your landscape. Mix in a Gold Mop False Cypress or two to throw in some really intriguing color and texture.