Cupressus

Cupressus Sempervirens – Italian Cypress and Totem For Sale

Growing trees such as Cupressus sempervirens in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space.
• They can be used to provide shade, screening, and shelter.
• They attract birds.
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced.
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature.
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come.

We have the largest variety of Italian Cypress, Cupressus Totem, and Cupressus Monterey trees, and we have the right one for your space. These conifers have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Cupressus, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Cupressus Questions

1. How fast do cupressus trees grow?

Cupressus trees grow at a moderate to fast rate, depending on the species and the growing conditions. Some Cupressus species, such as Leyland cypress (Cupressus x leylandii), can grow up to 1 m per year, while others, such as Italian cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), grow at a rate of about 30-60 cm per year.

2. What is the difference between Cypress and Cupressus?

The word "cypress" can refer to two different things:

• Cypress: A common name for various coniferous trees or shrubs of northern temperate regions that belong to the family Cupressaceae.
• Cupressus: A genus of evergreen conifers within the family Cupressaceae that have the common name cypress.

In other words, all Cupressus trees are cypresses, but not all cypresses are Cupressus trees. There are many other genera of trees in the Cupressaceae family, such as Juniperus, Thuja, and Chamaecyparis.

Cupressus trees are typically distinguished from other cypress trees by their scale-like leaves and their small, roundish cones. They are also known for their slender, columnar growth habit.

Some of the most common Cupressus species include:

• Cupressus sempervirens (Italian cypress)
• Cupressus arizonica (Arizona cypress)
• Cupressus lusitanica (Mexican cypress)
• Cupressus macrocarpa (Monterey cypress)
• Cupressus bakeri (Modoc cypress)

Cupressus trees are popular for landscaping and hedging because of their attractive foliage, hardiness, and ability to tolerate a variety of conditions. They are also used for timber and to produce essential oils.

3. Are there cypress trees in New Zealand?

Yes, there are cypress trees in New Zealand. The most common species of cypress trees in New Zealand are:

• Cupressus macrocarpa (Monterey cypress)
• Cupressus lusitanica (Mexican cypress)

These species are native to North America but have been widely planted in New Zealand for their ornamental value and timber. They are both fast-growing trees and can tolerate a variety of conditions, including poor soil, drought, and coastal conditions.

In addition to the two introduced species listed above, there are also two native species of cypress trees in New Zealand:

• Libocedrus bidwillii (mountain cedar)
• Libocedrus plumosa (kahikatea)

These native species are found in forests throughout New Zealand. They are slower-growing than the introduced species, but are important to forest ecosystems.

4. What is the life span of Cupressus?

The life span of Cupressus trees varies depending on the species and the growing conditions. However, most Cupressus trees can live for 100-300 years. Some species, such as the Italian cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), can live for over 1,000 years.

5. Does cupressus like sun or shade?

Cupressus trees prefer full sun, but they can tolerate partial shade. If you are planting a Cupressus tree in a shady area, be sure to choose a spot that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.

6. Are cypress tree roots invasive?

Some cypress tree roots can be invasive, but it depends on the species. For example, Leyland cypress trees are known for having very invasive roots that can damage foundations, sidewalks, and other structures. Other cypress tree species, such as Italian cypress trees, have less invasive roots.

7. What are the disadvantages of Italian cypress?

Italian cypress trees are stunning additions to landscapes, but they do come with some drawbacks to consider:

Size and Scale:

• These trees can grow up to 15 m tall, making them unsuitable for small yards or near houses.
• Their height can cast significant shade, potentially affecting other plants nearby.

Climate sensitivity:

• While hardy in warm climates, they can be severely damaged by freezing temperatures, becoming unsightly or even dying.
• Their tall, narrow shape makes them prone to wind damage, causing branches to break or flop.

Care requirements:

• Prone to root rot caused by poor drainage, requiring well-draining soil and careful watering.
• Can be susceptible to cypress canker, spider mites, aphids, and scale insects, requiring monitoring and potential interventions.
• While generally low-maintenance, improper pruning can damage their delicate growth pattern.

Other disadvantages:

• With their narrow form, they provide minimal shade on their own, necessitating additional features for sun protection.

Remember, every plant has its pros and cons. Weighing the disadvantages of Italian cypress against their aesthetic appeal and suitability for your specific environment will help you decide if they are the right choice for your garden.

8. Why is the cypress tree a symbol of death?

The association of cypress trees with death varies across cultures and contexts. Here are some potential reasons:

Historical symbolism:

• Ancient Greece and Rome: Cypress trees were often planted near cemeteries and used in funeral rituals, hence their link with mourning and the afterlife.
• Celtic cultures: Cypress wood was traditionally used to make coffins, further solidifying its connection with death.

Characteristics of the tree:

• Evergreen nature: Unlike deciduous trees that lose their leaves and appear lifeless in winter, cypress trees remain green year-round, symbolizing eternal life or persistence beyond death.
• Dark foliage: The somber, dark green color of cypress leaves can evoke feelings of sorrow and mourning.
• Tall and slender form: In some cultures, tall, pointed shapes are associated with the spirit world or the journey to the afterlife.

Cultural interpretations:

• In Italy: Cypress trees are often planted in cemeteries and seen as guardians of the dead.
• In Mexico: Cypress trees are associated with "Dia de Muertos" (Day of the Dead) and symbolize remembrance of ancestors.
• In Japan: Cypress trees are used in Buddhist cemeteries and represent longevity and perseverance.

It's important to remember that symbolism is subjective and varies greatly across cultures and individuals. While cypress trees might hold negative connotations in some contexts, they can also represent positive ideas like resilience, remembrance, and even hope for the future.

9. What is the lifespan of a cypress tree?

The lifespan of a cypress tree depends significantly on the specific species, but here are some indications:

1. Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum):

• Up to 2,624 years old! This makes it the oldest-known living tree in eastern North America and one of the longest-living tree species globally.
• Average lifespan is typically 600 years, with some individuals reaching 1,200 years or even older.

2. Italian Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens):

• Generally around 200 to 300 years, though they can live up to 500 years in ideal conditions.

3. Arizona Cypress (Cupressus arizonica):

• Usually 100 to 200 years, with some specimens lasting up to 300 years.

4. Leyland Cypress (× Cupressocyparis leylandii):

• Relatively short compared to other cypresses, typically 40 to 50 years.

5. False Cypress (Chamaecyparis species):

• This genus encompasses various species with diverse lifespans. Some, like Japanese cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa), can live for 500-1,000 years, while others like Hinoki cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera) might only reach 100 to 200 years.

Remember that these are just general estimates, and actual lifespan can be influenced by various factors like growing conditions, disease, and environmental stresses.