The Mediterranean Cypress is a sun-loving beauty that thrives in warmth. Unfortunately, it can struggle with our harsh winters. If your cypress is living in a container, it’s even more vulnerable and won’t make it to spring on its own. It’s up to us as gardeners to step in and protect them from the frost!
Surviving the Cold: Winter Hardiness
A cypress tree in the U.S.—depending on your zone—is likely to face freezing temperatures at some point. While trees planted in the ground can be quite winter-hardy if they’re in a spot sheltered from the wind, a potted cypress is a different story. These container plants start feeling the stress as soon as temperatures dip below 40°F (5°C).
Overwintering Your Potted Cypress Indoors
If the height of your cypress allows for it, the best move is to bring it inside before the first frost hits. Ideally, you’ll want a spot that stays between 40°F and 50°F (5-10°C). Since these are evergreens, they still need plenty of light and a bit of humidity. Unheated basements with windows, garages, or bright stairwells often work great. If you’re lucky enough to have a frost-free greenhouse, that’s the gold standard! Come March, you can move it back outside, just be sure to acclimate it to the sun gradually so the needles don’t burn.
Keeping Your Cypress Outdoors
If your tree is too big to move or you just don’t have the space inside, it’ll have to brave the winter outdoors. If a cold snap hits, things can get dicey, so you’ll need to boost its survival odds by keeping it as cozy as possible:
- Find a sheltered spot, ideally near a house wall (which radiates heat).
- Place it under an overhang or porch roof.
- Insulate the pot with bubble wrap or burlap.
- Elevate the pot on a thick piece of Styrofoam or a wooden board to keep it off the freezing ground.
- Consider using a heating cable for extra warmth in extreme zones.
- Wrap the branches in breathable material like burlap, garden fleece, or cotton.
- Cover the root area with brushwood or a thick layer of mulch/leaves.
Note:
You don’t have to keep the branches wrapped all winter long. It’s usually enough to cover them during particularly frosty or bright, sunny winter days to prevent drying out.
Winter Care and Maintenance
Your cypress stays green all year round, which means it’s still working! If the tree gets too thirsty, those needles will quickly turn yellow. You need to water your cypress regularly because it continues to evaporate moisture through its foliage. Just keep an eye on the thermometer—only reach for the watering can on days when the ground isn’t frozen.
Quick Tip:
To avoid giving your tree a “cold shock,” don’t use water that’s been sitting outside in the freezing cold. Use water that is roughly room temperature or lukewarm for the best results.
