The Italian or Mediterranean cypress (Cuppresses Sempervisens)) is native to the Eastern Mediterranean region and widely grown in gardens and the wider landscape of many European countries, where its distinctive tall and slender, dark green trees are dotted like living exclamation marks. In the UK, Italian cypress is particularly useful in urban areas or small gardens to add formal style and structure, especially due to its compact height. Although associated with the Mediterranean, Italian cypress is hardy and tolerates frost, though shelter from winds is essential. Once established, Italian cypress is tolerant of drought.
Italian cypress has an unmistakeable outline: tall, slender, pencil-shaped, with tiny dark green scale-like, evergreen leaves. The foliage is strongly aromatic if crushed. It can be a useful screening if you want to hide a tall building from view.
The dense evergreen of Italian cypress foliage provides good nesting and roosting opportunities for birds, and winter protection for wildlife generally. Italian cypress is prone to aphids, which provide a useful food source for birds, and beneficial insects such as ladybirds.
Article continues below advert
The ultimate size of Italian cypress can be over 20m high and up to 2.5m wide in Mediterranean regions, but trees growing in cooler climates such as the UK will be much smaller. What's more, you can restrict growth to your desired size by clipping regularly. Some named varieties are naturally more slender than the species. They make good trees for pots.
