Foliage is evergreen with sprays of dark gray-green needles on short, upright branches.
It does not flower but produces glossy, round, brown or copper-colored seed cones in autumn.
Given the right climate, this is a fairly easy tree to grow.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Italian Cypress Care
Italian cypress is a low-maintenance tree.
Growing too close to a fence or building results in uneven or stunted foliage on one side.
A small amount of shade is tolerated, but too much can lead to a scraggly, unattractive appearance.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Soil
This evergreenadapts to a wide range of soil types, as long as they drain well.
Plant in sandy loam with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5 if possible.
Water
Italian cypress trees prefer to grow in dry conditions.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Water young trees regularly until established.
Mature trees aredrought-resistantand usually thrive with average rainfall amounts in their growing zones.
Overwatering can lead to root rot, causing leaves and branches to turn yellow and die back.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Water at the base of the tree to prevent fungal infections.
Temperature and Humidity
Hot, dry climates are preferred.
This tree can tolerate temperatures as high as 125 degrees for short periods of time, if kept hydrated.
Provide winter protection when temperatures dip to 10 degrees or below.
Humidity associated with high temperatures is tolerated better that cold, wet air.
Fertilizer
Only apply fertilizer if you have a soil deficiency and have tested for it.
This tree is grown for its distinct appearance, so trimming helps achieve and maintain a desired shape.
Flat-topping halts upward growth and increases width of the spread.
Propagating
The best way to propagate Italian cypress is by taking cuttings in winter.
How to Grow Italian Cypress from Seed
Seeds can be purchased or collected from cones.
They fall easily from the cone when mature and require stratification.
You’ll need seeds, potting mix, compost and a flat or small pots.
Water container-grown trees regularly and fertilize with an NPK slightly higher in nitrogen, once in spring and mid-summer.
Plant the tree at the same soil level as in its original pot.
Pot up as needed until the tree reaches the desired height.
Do this in fall and winter when the tree is dormant to prevent transplant shock.
To maintain height and keep roots from overcrowding, the roots should be pruned annually.
Covering young, vulnerable trees can prevent frost damage.
Reduce watering when the tree is in dormancy.
Common Pests and Plant Diseases
This tree is fairly disease and pest free.
Bagworms andspider mitescan lead to unsightly webbing and defoliation.
Bagworm cocoons can be handpicked.
Needles turn yellow, then brown and die.
Control canker by removing infected branches,sterilizing your cutting toolbetween each cut.
Root rot also presents as foliage dieback and triggers when a tree is overwatered.
Common problems most often relate to maintaining its size and shape.
Multiple trunks
Some cultivars can develop more than one trunk.
Each trunk will produce branching and a crown.
This results in poor air circulation and defeats the single columnar shape of the tree.
Roots are shallow and spread to the width of the tree.
Leave enough room between your chosen variety to accommodate its mature width.
Pruning isn’t a necessity, but you will want to remove dead or dying branches.
You may also want to prune it to maintain its columnar shape.
If you could eliminate under or over watering as possibilities, look closely for pests and disease.
Yes, Italian cypress trees are well-known as being easy to grow.
