Although cypress trees are found all over the world, there are only 24 cypress species in total. The evergreen trees, which usually grow in a cone shape, differ greatly from one another depending on the species. This applies to the color of the leaves or needles as well as the height and speed of growth.

There are only 24 cypress species in total

Classification of different types of cypress

  • Real cypress
  • false cypress
  • hybrid
  • Bastard Cypress
  • indoor cypress

The botanical name of the cypress is Cupressus, the Latin name of the false cypress is Chamaecyparis. They all belong to the genus of conifers and here to the conifers. Cypress trees are very long-lived trees. There are specimens whose age is estimated at 400 years.

False cypresses differ from real cypresses in that their branches are more flattened. The cones are also smaller than those of the real cypress.

The botanist understands hybrid cypresses as cultivated forms that have arisen from different cypress species. An example of a hybrid cypress is the Leyland cypress, which was bred from the Monterey cypress and the Nootka cypress.

Use of cypress in home and garden

Cypress trees are grown in gardens as solitary trees or planted as a hedge. Because of their rapid growth, they form a good privacy screen. Indoor cypresses can also be grown indoors.

Many types of cypress are suitable for the care in the tub. Here, however, it has to be watered more often. The planters must have a sufficiently large water drain so that no waterlogging can occur.

Almost all types of cypress prefer a location that is as sunny as possible, but also grow well in partially shaded locations.

The care of the cypress species

Cypresses need humus-rich, slightly acidic soil. The soil must always be slightly moist, whereby waterlogging must be avoided at all costs.

Fertilizing cypresses is usually superfluous because the trees can get by with little nutrients.

Most cypress species tolerate pruning very well. They can easily be cut into shape. However, cutting back into the old wood should be avoided, as no new shoots will grow in these places.

Cypresses are only conditionally hardy

Most cypress species do not tolerate sub-zero temperatures over a longer period of time. Cypresses set outdoors therefore need a protected location, for example in front of a wall. Alternatively, they are protected from severe frost with mulch.

The biggest problem in winter is not enough moisture. Cypresses must also be supplied with water on frost-free days in winter.

Cypress is poisonous

Care should be taken when planting cypress trees in gardens where children and pets will be around. All cypress species are poisonous. They contain thujone and essential oils.

In sensitive people, even contact with the plant sap can trigger skin inflammation.

If needles, cones or shoots of the cypress are eaten, severe symptoms of poisoning can sometimes occur.

tips

A type of cypress that can cope with very inhospitable conditions is the so-called Sahara cypress. The species, found in the Tassili n'Ajjer massif in the Algerian Sahara, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The stock, estimated at 153 to 213, is under nature protection.

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Trees