Members only
Unlock the Plant Library
Care guides for 220+ plants: light, water, soil, pets, seasonal calendars and troubleshooting. Enter the password from your welcome email to get in.
Plant Profiles / Italian cypress
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Italian cypress
Cupressus sempervirens · Pencil pine, Mediterranean cypress
A tall, narrow evergreen conifer that adds Mediterranean structure. Pairs of pots either side of a door look classic.
Full sunLight
WeeklyWater
EasyCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Full sun
ShadeFull sun
Sun.
Water
Weekly
DryWet
Moderate.
Humidity
Low
LowHigh
Dry.
Temperature
-10–40°C (14–104°F)
CoolWarm
Hardy.
Growth
Moderate, columnar
SlowFast
3–5 m in pots.
Soil
Free-draining
LeanRich
Potting mix.
Fertiliser
Spring
RarelyOften
Light.
Pet safety
Non-toxic
SafeToxic
Safe.
About this plant
Native to the eastern Mediterranean. Very narrow and drought tolerant once established; grows slower in pots.
Best spots
Doorways, balcony corners and formal courtyards.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Cupressus sempervirens |
| Family | Cupressaceae |
| Origin | Eastern Mediterranean |
| Plant type | Conifer |
| Mature size | 3–5 m in pots |
| Growth rate | Moderate |
| Foliage | Dark green sprays |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic |
| Propagation | Seed |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Active growth
Trim
Active growthTrim
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Brown inside | Normal. |
| Browning tips | Dry or canker. |
| Leaning | Wind. |
| Mites | Hose. |
| Splaying | Tie in. |
Common questions
Narrow?
Very.
Pots?
Large.
Pet safe?
Yes.
Prune?
Light.
