The columnar cypress, also known as Tuscany cypress or Mediterranean cypress, is one of the most common tree species around the Mediterranean. The evergreen, very slender, tall tree is also very popular in domestic gardens, as it conjures up a little Mediterranean flair north of the Alps. Unfortunately, the tree, which is otherwise very easy to care for, is not really hardy in our country - the columnar cypress freezes to death even at prolonged temperatures of more than minus ten degrees Celsius.

Columnar cypresses are only partially hardy

Columnar cypress only hardy to a few degrees below zero

However, the temperature specification only applies to tree nursery goods grown under local conditions, not to trees brought from vacations in Italy or imported in any other way. These do not even tolerate a few degrees below zero and only for a short time! For this reason, it is advisable to only plant columnar cypresses in regions with a mild climate (such as a vineyard region) or to keep the tree in a sufficiently large bucket. Then, however, regular pruning is essential, after all, columnar cypresses can reach heights of 20 meters and more.

Plant columnar cypresses in a sheltered location

Anyone who decides to plant the columnar cypress should place it in a sheltered place - a sunny and warm location without drafts increases resistance to cold even more. In this case, "protected" means that the tree should be in front of a house wall or wall and must be protected from cold east winds in particular. In addition, only older columnar cypresses should be planted out, as younger specimens are much more sensitive - these are better to cultivate in pots for the first few years and frost-free, but overwinter cool and light.

The correct overwintering of a columnar cypress

Columnar cypresses in pots hibernate as brightly as possible at a maximum of five degrees Celsius - the evergreen tree does not tolerate frost, but still needs a winter break. Planted specimens are best packed in a special gardener's fleece or in jute bags - the material should not only be air-permeable but also translucent. After all, it is an evergreen plant that also needs light during the winter break. Lightless or low-light packaging should therefore only be used for a very short time - for example during a period of severe frost - but should then be removed again immediately. Please do not pack the conifer in plastic foil or similar, as the humidity increases too much and fungal diseases are promoted.

tips

Instead of taking the risk with a columnar cypress that is not sufficiently hardy, you can also plant optically similar but much more robust conifers instead. These include i.a. Leyland cypress, columnar yew, thuja, false cypress or other cypress such as the very hardy Arizona cypress.

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Trees