While the Mediterranean cypress isn’t exactly a native here in the States, it’s a guest that’s more than happy to stay a while if you treat it right! Our climate can be a bit tougher than the sunny shores of Italy, but it’s definitely not a dealbreaker. If you know how to pick the right spot and give it some TLC, this evergreen will feel right at home and can live to a ripe old age.
Finding the Perfect Spot
As a true child of the sun, the Mediterranean cypress craves warmth and plenty of light. You’ll want to aim for a spot in your garden that gets full sun to partial shade—definitely steer clear of the deep shadows. It’s also a good idea to find a place sheltered from the wind so those icy winter gusts don’t do too much damage. If you live in a region with mild winters, your cypress will love being in the ground. However, if you’re in a zone with harsh, freezing winters, keeping your cypress in a pot is the way to go.
When it comes to soil, think rich and loose. These trees hate “wet feet,” so well-draining soil is a must to avoid root rot and other nasty diseases. If your soil is a bit heavy, mix in some sand to loosen it up and add a drainage layer (which is non-negotiable for container plants!).
Quick Tip:
Cypress trees have shallow, wide-reaching root systems, which makes transplanting them pretty tricky once they’ve settled in for a few years. You’ll want to make sure you nail the location on the first try!
Care and Maintenance
Cypress trees aren’t big fans of drought, so you’ll need to keep an eye on the moisture levels. Since they are fast-growing evergreens, they also have a healthy appetite for nutrients. Here’s your checklist:
- Water as needed whenever the top layer of soil feels dry.
- Don’t forget to water on frost-free days during the winter, too!
- In the spring, fertilize with compost, manure, or horn meal.
- For potted trees, use a liquid conifer fertilizer.
- Feed them every 2-3 weeks from spring through fall.
- Give them a trim or shape-up whenever they start looking a bit shaggy.
Winter Protection
In a sheltered spot, established cypress trees can handle short dips down to about 14°F (-10°C). But if a long, hard freeze is on the horizon, they’ll need some help. Cover the ground with a thick layer of mulch and wrap the crown in breathable burlap. If you have a potted cypress, it’s best to bring it into a bright, cool room indoors for the winter. If that’s not an option, tuck it against a house wall or under a roof, set it on an insulating styrofoam base, and wrap the pot in burlap.
If your local winter is just too brutal for a Mediterranean cypress and you don’t have a place to overwinter it, you might want to look into a False Cypress—they’re a bit hardier and just as beautiful!
