Cupressus sempervirens
'Glauca'
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This is one of my favourite evergreens that I first saw in Italy, the picture above is actually from the trip I went on. I only wish that they could survive in our climate.
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Family |
Cupressaceae |
Genus |
Cupressus |
Species |
sempervirens |
Cultivar |
'Glauca' |
Category |
Woody |
Type |
Tree (evergreen) |
USDA Hardiness Zone |
7 - 10 |
Canadian Hardiness Zone |
9a |
RHS Hardiness Zone |
H4 |
Temperature (°C) |
(-5) - 1 |
Temperature (°F) |
24 |
Height |
15 - 20 m |
Spread |
1 - 2 m |
General Description |
A tall columnar conifer with a small spread and dense blue-green scale foliage. |
Landscape |
Often used for mass plantings, privacy screening, windbreaks and as a specimen tree. |
Cultivation |
This fast-growing conifer prefers full sun but is tolerant to partial shade. Enjoys well-drained soils and should be grown where it has room to reach its full height. Water a newly planted tree regularly but once it is adapted to its new environment it is very easy to maintain and will only need to be watered occasionally (depending on the climate). It is drought resistant but should be watered more often in extreme heat and less often in rainy conditions. Any pruning should be done in the winter only. |
Shape |
Narrow upright columnar that has a very small spread compared to its height. |
Growth |
Medium |
ID Characteristic |
Very tall with a narrow spread and dense blue-green scale foliage. |
Pests |
Spider mites, aphids, bagworms, and some types of scale insects are the most common pests. Young Italian cypress can be sprayed with a strong steam to exterminate spider mites, aphids, or scale insects. Bagworms must be picked off by hand and killed. |
Habitat |
Originating in Europe and Asia, this plant enjoys climates with well drained soils. |
Bark/Stem Description |
Red-brown scale bark. |
Flower/Leaf Bud Description |
Small light brown leaf buds. |
Leaf Description |
Blue-green scale foliage. |
Colour Description |
Blue-green foliage. |
Texture Description |
Dense, with soft scale foliage. |
Notable Specimens |
The most notable specimens are in Italy along the driveways of large estates. |
Propagation |
Seed propagation or cuttings. |
Ethnobotanical Uses (Disclaimer) |
Used near cemeteries to ward off evil and was once believed to have supernatural powers because it can survive decades and does not lose its foliage. |