The columnar or Mediterranean cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) is widespread in the Mediterranean region. There, the very slender, evergreen tree reaches heights of growth of up to 35 meters. Here, too, the very easy-care plant can be cultivated both in the garden and in pots, with young cypresses in particular needing good winter protection.

Columnar cypresses give the garden a Mediterranean touch

Cultivate columnar cypresses correctly in the garden

This type of cypress is considered to be quite easy to care for, at least if you choose a suitable location with suitable soil and also ensure sufficient water. That's basically it with the care, because strictly speaking, not even a pruning is really necessary - the tree naturally grows in a columnar shape. But be careful: columnar cypresses are extremely fast-growing, which is why the scissors should be pulled out from time to time. However, avoid cutting off the top of the tree - otherwise it can happen that the typical growth form is lost and the cypress grows in width instead.

Suitability as a hedge or as a solitaire

Columnar cypresses are very popular for hedge planting in this country, not least because of their pruning tolerance. But the tree, which grows very straight, is also very suitable as a solitary plant or for planting a group of trees. Young columnar cypresses can even be cultivated in pots and decorate balconies, terraces and house entrances in this way. However, since the trees are very vigorous, they should be planted out in the garden after a few years.

Mediterranean cypress overwinter

In fact, it is considered optimal to keep young Mediterranean cypresses in pots. These are often not yet sufficiently hardy and should therefore hibernate cool but frost-free. As soon as the trees get older, they are no longer too sensitive and can be planted directly in the garden without any problems. In winter, however, all columnar cypresses need good winter protection, for example by covering them with garden fleece or similar material. It is important that this is breathable and allows air exchange - under plastic or similar, the plants quickly tend to fungal infections and thus to rot.

tips

If the columnar cypress gets brown spots, then there is usually a lack of water behind it. Adequate water supply is particularly important in winter.

Category:

Trees