Tall, columnar Italian cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), also known as Mediterranean cypress, is said to look like a birds feather or exclamation point, which makes it stand out and up, especially when several are planted side by side.
Italian cypress grows to an average 50 feet tall and spreads just 4 to 5 feet, narrowing to a point at the crown. Foliage is evergreen with sprays of dark gray-green needles on short, upright branches. It does not flower but produces glossy, round, brown or copper-colored seed cones in autumn.
This evergreen lives up to a 150 years in the urban landscape and a thousand years in its native climate. Several shorter cultivars offer greater versatility for homeowners, growing from 10 to 30 feet tall and one to three feet wide. Given the right climate, this is a fairly easy tree to grow.
Italian cypress trees are a classic choice for creating stunning vertical accents in any landscape. With their narrow, columnar shape and rich green foliage, they make eye-catching additions next to entryways, along borders, or anywhere you want to draw the eye upward.
While standard Italian cypress can grow quite tall, reaching 40 feet or more at maturity, dwarf cultivars offer all the grace and beauty of this iconic evergreen in a more compact form. If you love the look of Italian cypress but don’t have room for a full-size tree, dwarf varieties are an excellent option.
In this article we’ll discuss what makes dwarf Italian cypress perfect for smaller yards and how to find these petite evergreens near you.
What is a Dwarf Italian Cypress Tree?
Dwarf Italian cypress (Cupressus sempervirens ‘Glauca’) is a cultivar of the popular Mediterranean native. Through selective breeding, dwarf cypress varieties emerge with much shorter mature heights than the species typically reaches.
While standard Italian cypress grows up to 40 feet tall and just 3 to 5 feet wide, dwarf types max out at just 10 to 15 feet tall, with a similar narrow spread Their growth rate is also slower than unmodified cypress
Despite their petite stature, dwarf Italian cypress retains the iconic slender columnar shape, soft feathery foliage, and rich green to silvery blue color of its taller counterparts. It makes an excellent choice for small gardens and residential landscapes where vertical interest is desired but space is limited.
Benefits of Dwarf Italian Cypress
There are many reasons why dwarf Italian cypress is ideal for modest-sized yards:
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Stays small: With a mature height of just 10 to 15 feet, dwarf cypress is sized right for planting beside walkways, entries, and patios.
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Slow growth rate: Dwarf varieties grow just 6 to 12 inches per year, allowing ample time to prune and shape as desired.
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Bold vertical accent: The narrowly columnar form draws the eyes up, making a dramatic statement.
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Soft, feathery foliage: Dwarf cypress sports the same gracefully weeping foliage as standard Italian cypress.
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Drought tolerance: When established, dwarf cypress can withstand dry conditions.
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Low maintenance: Little pruning or care needed to maintain its neat, tailored shape.
In small spaces where you want vertical interest but lack room for a full-height tree, dwarf Italian cypress is an ornamental yet practical choice.
Where to Find Dwarf Italian Cypress Near Me
Dwarf Italian cypress is carried by many garden centers and nurseries, especially in zones 7 to 10 where it thrives. Here are some tips for finding petite cypress trees in your area:
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Check local independent nurseries: Many carry a selection of dwarf and specialty trees. Let them know your size requirements and growing conditions.
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Visit home improvement stores: Retailers like Home Depot and Lowe’s stock dwarf cypress both in stores and online.
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Look for mail-order nurseries: Companies like Monrovia and Brighter Blooms sell dwarf Italian cypress that can be shipped directly to your door.
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Talk to landscapers: Many lawn and garden professionals can source dwarf cypress for clients. Describe your needs and they may be able to find the perfect tree.
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Search online databases: Sites like TreeNation allow you to search for dwarf evergreen trees available from growers in your state.
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Check forums and community groups: Fellow gardeners may have leads on where to locate harder-to-find plants.
With its graceful narrow shape and petite proportions, dwarf Italian cypress is ideal for yards both large and small. By taking time to seek out local and online sources, you can find the perfect dwarf cypress tree for creating vertical intrigue even in compact spaces. Soon you’ll be enjoying the beauty, easy care, and elegance of this versatile evergreen.
Popular Dwarf Italian Cypress Varieties
Once you’ve decided to add a dwarf Italian cypress to your landscape, choosing the right variety is key. Here are some of the most popular petite options to consider:
Tiny Tower®
- Max height of 10-15 feet
- Narrow columnar form
- Soft silvery-green foliage
- Slow grower, just 6” per year
- Great for containers
Stricta®
- Grows 10-15 feet tall
- Narrow upright shape
- Rich green needles
- Low maintenance
- Handles heat and drought well
Glauca Sargentii
- Blue-green foliage
- Tight columnar habit
- Height of 15 feet
- Grows 1 foot per year
- Does well in cold climates
Emerald Green Pillar
- Dense deep green foliage
- Slender columnar form
- Reaches 15 feet tall
- Heat and drought tolerant
- Low maintenance needs
Hillspire®
- Broad columnar shape
- Silver-blue needles
- Grows 10-15 feet high
- Handles wind, cold weather
- Slow growth rate of 6″ per year
Caring for Dwarf Italian Cypress Trees
Dwarf Italian cypress thrives with minimal care when provided the right growing conditions. Here are a few tips for success:
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Plant in full sun: Cypress needs at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. Morning sun is ideal.
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Choose well-drained soil: Avoid wet, clay soils which can lead to root rot.
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Water regularly: Establish an ample irrigation regimen until cypress is established.
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Mulch around root zone: This helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
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Prune lightly if needed: Trim only to shape or renew growth; never shear.
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Watch for pests: Spider mites, bagworms and scale may sometimes be problematic.
When sited appropriately, dwarf Italian cypress requires little upkeep to stay lush and healthy for years of enjoyment.
Add Striking Vertical Style with Dwarf Italian Cypress
With their narrowly columnar shape and soft, feathery foliage, dwarf Italian cypress trees are ideal for gardens short on space but longing for vertical panache. Slow growing and topping out at just 10 to 15 feet, petite cypress cultivars deliver the grace and elegance of this classic evergreen in a compact form.
By seeking out local nurseries and online sources, you can find the perfect dwarf Italian cypress to tuck next to an entryway, border a patio, or accent any spot needing a bold vertical statement. Bring striking cypress style to your small yard by choosing one of these exquisite yet easy-care dwarf varieties.
Pruning
Cut back foliage in late winter to promote even, lush growth, removing dead or dying branches along the way. This tree is grown for its distinct appearance, so trimming helps achieve and maintain a desired shape.
Methods are similar to pruning a hedge. When the tree reaches a desired height, it can be topped by removing 6 inches of the crown. Flat-topping halts upward growth and increases width of the spread.
Common Problems with Italian Cypress
This is an easy care evergreen with drought tolerance, disease and pest resistance. Common problems most often relate to maintaining its size and shape.
Italian Cypress Trees for the UK – YouGarden
FAQ
How tall do dwarf Italian cypress grow?
| Mature Height: | 7-9 ft. |
|---|---|
| Mature Width: | 2 ft. |
| Sunlight: | Full Sun, Partial Shade |
| Growth Rate: | Slow Growing |
| Drought Tolerance: | Moderate |
What is the difference between Italian Cypress and dwarf Italian cypress?
Dwarf Italian Cypress, also known as Cupressus sempervirens ‘Compacta’, ‘Monshel’, or ‘Tiny Tower’, has the same classic elegance as regular Italian Cypress but is more petite.
Do Italian Cypress trees grow well in Texas?
Texas: Many areas in Texas feature suitable temperatures and well-drained soils, making it another great choice.Oct 10, 2024
What are the downsides of Italian Cypress trees?
Italian cypress Cupressus sempervirens thrive in full sun in the dry, Mediterranean-type climate of California, but it does poorly and can become stressed and diseased in a wetter or cooler climate and if it is planted where it gets too much water or in partial shade or if it is exposed to cold winter temperatures.
Where can I buy Italian cypress trees?
Whatever you choose, Lowe’s has a variety of trees online and in store to suit your landscaping needs. And, when you order online and choose in-store pickup, a store associate will load it onto your truck or trailer for a contact-free shopping experience. Find Italian Cypress trees at Lowe’s today.
Why should I buy dwarf Italian cypress?
We take pride in making sure every detail is just right, so you can enjoy your new greenery from the moment it arrives. Shop Dwarf Italian Cypress for slender, compact growth. Perfect for small spaces, drought-tolerant, and low-maintenance.
Are Italian cypress trees healthy?
From entryways to patios to borders along your driveway, the Italian Cypress makes a sleek statement. You see them all the time in high-end neighborhoods. With a tall, columnar stature. And your Italian Cypress is grown and nurtured with care from day 1. When you order your tree from Brighter Blooms, you get a healthy tree upon arrival.
How tall do Italian cypress trees grow?
Regular Italian Cypress: Typically grows much taller and can reach heights of 40 to 60 feet or more, with a width of about 5 to 10 feet. It has a fast growth rate and forms a narrow, columnar shape. Tiny Tower Italian Cypress: This is a more compact variety, reaching about 20 to 30 feet in height and 2 to 3 feet in width.
How do you use Italian cypress?
Small Italian cypress and their topiary forms make perfect porch or patio accents. Use a matched pair to flank door, gate, art, fountain or window. Line them up on steps in matching pots for a graduated effect. Plant as part of a perennial border as reoccurring living columns. A perfect central “finger” for a symmetrical herb garden.
What is a Tiny Tower Italian cypress?
The Tiny Tower Italian Cypress is known for its narrow, columnar growth habit, making it ideal for smaller spaces or as a vertical accent in the landscape. It typically reaches a mature height of about 20 to 30 feet and maintains a very slender width of approximately 2 to 3 feet.