Cupressus sempervirens 'Stricta' - Italian Cypress

The Italian cypress, also known as Cupressus sempervirens, is a beautiful, narrow tree that originates from Tuscany. With its slender growth and dense, dark green needle structure, this tree is a real eye-catcher in any garden. Although the Italian cypress grows slowly, it can eventually reach a height of 8 metres. The Cupressus sempervirens 'Stricta' variety grows about 20 cm per year and remains beautifully compact in height. This tree likes to be in full sun or partial shade, in a sheltered spot in the garden with good drainage.

The Italian cypress is not only frost-resistant, but also fairly winter-hardy and can withstand temperatures down to -13 degrees Celsius. Pruning is not necessary for this tree, as it naturally grows narrowly upwards. In addition, the Italian cypress is an evergreen tree that remains green all year round, which makes for a beautiful and graceful element in the garden.

This Mediterranean tree can be used perfectly as a semi-dividing fence with space in between or placed as a solitary tree as an eye-catcher throughout the garden. In this way, the Italian cypress brings a touch of holiday feeling to your own garden. With its elegant appearance and easy maintenance, the Italian cypress is an ideal choice for garden lovers who are looking for a beautiful and atmospheric addition to their outdoor space.

How much water does an Italian Cypress need?

It is important to water the Italian cypress regularly, especially during hot and sunny days. Normally, watering once a week is sufficient, but in hot weather the tree may need watering up to 3 times a week. Make sure that the soil is well-drained so that water does not remain around the roots. This can lead to root rot, which can affect the health of the plant.

Fertilizing the Italian cypress is best done in April, when the soil temperature rises and the roots become more active. Fertilizing promotes the growth and health of the tree. Choose a fertilizer that is suitable for conifers and follow the instructions on the packaging to avoid over-fertilizing.

It is important to keep a close eye on the tree, especially during the winter months. If the temperature drops below -13 degrees Celsius, it is wise to protect the tree by, for example, wrapping a fleece or reed mats around the trunk. In this way, the tree remains protected against frost damage and can survive the winter well. With the right water care and attention, the Italian cypress will be a beautiful addition to your garden or landscape.

How much water for the cypress in the summer months?

During the summer months, especially when the cypress has just been planted, watering should definitely not be skipped!
When the Cupressus sempervirens does not have enough water, it will slowly drink its leaves and they will develop ugly brown tips.

How much water should a Cypress have in the fall or winter months?

The cypress likes water to drain well. This is especially important in the autumn and winter months!
There is actually no need to give extra water, provided it is not too warm and the soil has not dried out.

Where is the best place to plant a Cupressus sempervirens 'Stricta' - Italian Cypress?

The Italian cypress, or Cupressus sempervirens 'Stricta', thrives best in a sunny location with little wind. This beautiful tree loves full sun and can also tolerate heat well. It is important to provide a sheltered location, especially in colder regions. In winter, the tree can use some protection against severe frost. Also make sure that the soil is well-drained, as the cypress does not like wet feet.

The Italian cypress is ideal for creating a Mediterranean atmosphere in the garden. Due to its columnar growth and dense needle structure, it can serve as a beautiful separation or solitary eye-catcher. The tree remains green all year round, making it a permanent colorful addition to the garden. It is an easy-to-maintain plant that requires little pruning and is reasonably winter-hardy. For the ultimate holiday feeling in your own garden, the Italian cypress is the perfect choice. With the right location and some love and attention, this tree will certainly be an eye-catcher in your garden.

When to repot the Italian Cypress and why?

Repotting the Italian Cypress may be necessary when the plant outgrows its current pot. This can result in stunted growth and root bound. You will know that the plant needs to be repotted when the roots start to grow out of the drainage holes or when the plant starts to grow more slowly than normal.

The best time to repot the Italian cypress is in the spring, when the plant starts to grow more actively. Choose a new pot that is about 2-3 centimeters larger than the current pot, to give the roots some room to grow. Make sure the new pot has good drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

Carefully remove the plant from its old pot and gently remove some soil from the roots. Place the plant in the new pot and fill the rest of the space with fresh potting soil. Gently press the soil down and water the plant to help the roots settle. Place the plant back in a sunny, sheltered spot in the garden and enjoy healthy growth and development of your Italian Cypress.

What should the soil of a Cupressus sempervirens be like?

The soil of the Italian Cypress must be well-drained, so that excess water can drain away.
We always recommend using Mediterranean soil. This soil will ensure good growth and is definitely not something to skimp on!

Repotting the Italian Cypress in the open ground

Step 1: The hole where the Italian Cypress will go

We recommend digging a slightly deeper hole (approximately 20-30 cm), which ensures that the water can drain away better at the bottom. You can do this by placing gravel or broken roof tiles in it.

Step 2: Putting in the right soil

Now throw Mediterranean potting soil over the gravel or broken roof tiles. Fill this up to the bottom of the roots of the Italian Cypress. Make sure there is at least a layer of 20 to 30 cm of Mediterranean soil in it! More than that is no problem.

Step 3: Planting the Italian Cypress

Now place the Cypress in the right place where you want it and fill the entire hole with Mediterranean potting soil. Pay close attention to the soil being pressed down well. You can check this by stamping on it. As soon as the Cypress is in the right place, you can immediately
start watering.

What nutrition does the Cupressus sempervirens need?

Italian cypress trees generally do not require a lot of feeding, but it is important to make sure they are getting enough nutrients to stay healthy and grow well. In the spring, when the soil temperature rises and the roots become more active, it is ideal to fertilize your cypress trees. You can use a slow-release conifer fertilizer that is specifically formulated for balanced growth and strong root development. Apply the fertilizer evenly around the root zone of the cypress, avoiding contact with the trunk.

In addition to the right fertilizer, it is also important to ensure that the cypress trees receive sufficient water, especially during dry periods. Water the cypress trees regularly, especially if they are newly planted or grown in pots. Make sure that the soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging and to keep the roots healthy. However, avoid keeping the soil constantly moist, as this can lead to root rot.

Finally, it is good to know that Italian cypresses prefer a neutral soil with good drainage. Regularly check the soil condition and nutritional status of the plant to ensure that it grows and thrives optimally. With the right nutrition and care, Italian cypresses can thrive beautifully in your garden and be a real eye-catcher.

Liquid food for the Italian Cypress

For the Italian Cypress we recommend Florentus Universal food. You can easily add this to the water. Please note: this should be added several times a year. The best is once every 2 weeks.

Slow release fertilizer for the Italian Cypress

For the Italian Cypress you can also use long-term fertilizer such as cow manure pellets. You can simply add this to the ground once a year.