How to Grow Cypress Trees and Shrubs
Cupressus Sempervirens
Cypress is a family of long-lived ornamental trees and shrubs. With hundreds
of varieties, Cypress is native to many parts of the world. This hardy tree
is related to sequoia trees. Like the Sequoia, it can grow very large, and
live for a long, long time.. Cypress trees can live for over 100 years. Some
varieties can grow 100-120 feet tall and 3-6 feet in diameter.
Cypress have ben popular in gardens for perhaps thousands of years. Fast
growing it can grow up to 4 feet a year. It has a thick foliage of feathery
leaves. It is popular as a decorative landscaping ornamental, and as a privacy
hedge.
Some varieties of Cypress are deciduous, while others are evergreens. Among
the most popular deciduous varieties is the Bald Cypress, which sheds its
leaves in the fall. Attractive fall leaf colors range from orange to
red. For privacy fences, the evergreen varieties, like the Leyland Cypress
are preferred.
Cypress Propagation
Cypress trees can be grown from seeds. Germination takes a long time, 30-90
days or more. Start seeds indoors in a large container. Growing them in a
greenhouse is ideal. After the seed germinates, grow it indoors in full sunlight
for 6-12 months. Then, transplant the young sapling tree outdoors, ideally
in the spring.
You can gather seeds in the fall, collecting pine-like cones from established
trees, and removing the seeds. Dry the seeds. Germination is improved by
chilling the seeds in the refrigerator for a couple of months.
Cypress trees can also be grown from cuttings.
Most homeowners buy small shrubs or trees from their local garden nursery.
First identify whether you want an evergreen or a deciduous variety. Make
certain to identify the growth width and height of the variety you are
considering prior to purchase, to make sure it meets your landscaping plan.
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varieties
How to Grow Cypress Trees
Juniper is hardy, low maintenance, and easy to grow tree. It grows best in
full sun to partial shade. Soil requirements vary, depending upon variety.
Some varieties like wet soil, while others grow well in dry rocky soils.
Planting Your Cypress Tree - Like any other shrub or tree, dig a hole
about twice the size of the root ball. Mix in some rich compost. Remove the
rooted plant from the container. Set it into the hole, and carefully loosen
and spread the outer roots a little. Then fill in the hole, lightly tamping
down the soil. Water thoroughly, 2 -3 times a week for a couple weeks.
Mulch around plants, to help keep weeds down, and to maintain a tidy appearance.
Additional fertilizer is not necessary, except in the poorest of soils.
Pruning Your Cypress Tree:
The decision to prune or not to prune, depends upon the variety of Cypress
tree, and you landscaping preferences. When grown as a privacy fence, trimming
will keep it growing in a nice, tidy shape.
Protecting Cypress from Deer:
From late fall through early spring when food is scarce, deer may eat the
foliage. While Cypress is not the favorite food of deer, they will turn to
almost anything that is green when they are hungry or starving.
A favorite Fall pastime is planting fall bulbs. These bulbs turn into
the first blooms of spring, brightening up and chasing away the dull, grey
winter scenery. More on Bulbs
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