How to Grow Cypress Trees and Shrubs

Tree Branch

About Growing Cypress Trees and Shrubs in Your Yard

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. If you’re interested in growing cypress trees or bushes, you are in good company. Cypress shrubs have been popular in gardens for perhaps thousands of years. This fast-growing plant can grow up to 4 feet a year. It has 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.  

Plant height: These trees grow up to 100 – 120 feet tall.

Plant Hardiness Zones: 4 – 9

Botanical Name:Cupressus Sempervirens

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.

Gather seeds in the fall by collecting the pine-like cones from established trees, Then, remove the seeds from the cones. 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 before purchase, to make sure it meets your landscaping plan.

About Seed Germination

How to Grow Cypress

Cypress is hardy, low maintenance, and easy to grow a 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 of 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.

Ideal Soil pH: 5.0- 6.0.

Pruning Cypress

The decision to prune or not to prune depends upon the variety of Cypress tree or shrub, and your landscaping preferences. When grown as a privacy fence, trimming will keep it growing in a nice, tidy shape

Deer Protection

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.

Related Articles

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

    Please support our site. Shop for:

    Scroll to top