Cypress planting and care in the open. Evergreen cypress (hamaecypress) - secrets of caring for indoor cypress at home. Blunt-leaved cypress - Chamaecyparis obtusa

Plant cypress (lat. Chamaecyparis) belongs to the genus of evergreen coniferous trees of the Cypress family. There are seven main species and several hundred cultivars in this genus. Under natural conditions, cypress trees sometimes reach a height of seventy meters. Outwardly, they somewhat resemble cypress, so these plants are often confused, but the branches of cypress are smaller than those of cypress and flatter. Most of all, the cypress tree, with its pyramidal crown, resembles a thuja. Cypress is native to East Asia and North America.

It has been cultivated since the end of the 18th century. Today, a cypress plant in the garden is as common as a cypress plant on a windowsill.

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Planting and caring for cypress (in brief)

• Landing: in April.
• Bloom: the plant is grown as an ornamental foliage plant.
• Lighting: bright diffused light for plants with yellow-green needles and partial shade for species and varieties with green needles.
• The soil: nutritious, unlimed and well-drained loam.
• Watering: regular, water consumption - 10 liters per plant, but in extreme heat, moisturizing should be more frequent and more abundant.
• Air humidity: in the hot season, seedlings need daily spraying, and adult plants are sprayed at least once a week.
• Trimming: in spring and autumn.
• Feeding: complex mineral fertilizer twice a month until mid-summer. Young seedlings are fed for the first time two months after planting with a solution of mineral fertilizer in half the dosage.
• Reproduction: seeds, cuttings and layering.
• Pests: scale insects and spider mites.
• Diseases: root rot.

Read more about growing cypress below.

Cypress plant - description

Three species of cypress - thuja, Nootka and Lawson - are native to North America, the other four - pea-bearing, obtuse, Formosan and mourning - originate from East Asia. In nature, these are tall trees with dense and small scale-like needles and smaller round cones than those of cypress with fewer seeds than those of cypress. In addition, North American and Japanese cypress species are much more winter-hardy than cypress trees; they are able to overcome our winter cold without shelter. However, cypress trees, unlike cypress trees, endure summer droughts with great difficulty.

The crown of the cypress is cone-shaped, with long drooping or outstretched branches. The trunk is covered with brown or brownish bark, consisting of small scales. Green, dark green, yellowish-green or bluish-smoky leaves are tightly pressed and pointed, with cypress seedlings having needle-shaped leaves and mature plants having scale-like leaves. The cones of the plant reach a diameter of 12 mm; the cypress seeds ripening in them are ready for reproduction already in the year the plant is planted.

In recent years, more than two hundred cultivars of the plant have been bred in Europe, America and Japan, differing in different shades of needles, crown shape, growth rate and other qualities.

Cypress planting

When to plant cypress

It is better to plant cypress trees in light partial shade, avoiding lowlands where cold air stagnates. Species with yellow-green needles require more light than cypress trees with green or bluish foliage. Plants prefer nutritious, well-drained soil, preferably loamy and non-calcareous. Cypress planting is carried out in the spring, in April, when the soil has warmed up after winter, but it is better to prepare the planting hole for it in the fall so that the soil has time to settle.

Dig a hole 90 cm deep and 60 cm wide, place a layer of broken bricks with sand at least 20 cm thick at the bottom and fill it halfway with a thoroughly mixed substrate of three parts turf soil, three parts humus, two parts peat and one part sand. Over the winter, the substrate will rot, settle and quickly warm up in the spring. If you plant not one plant, but several, the distance between them should be at least one meter, and preferably more, since the root system of the cypress tree grows horizontally.

How to plant cypress

Cypress seedlings are most often used as planting material, which are easy to purchase at a garden nursery or flower shop. Before planting, pour water over the planting hole, pour the seedling's earthen ball with root solution at the rate of one package of the drug per 5 liters of water, then place the seedling in the center of the hole and layer by layer pour into the hole the fertile soil of the composition described in the previous section, mixed with 300 g of nitroammophosphate.

Since the soil will certainly settle after planting, position the seedling so that its root collar is 10-20 cm above the soil level. After planting, water the seedling. When the soil settles, add more soil so that the neck is level with the surface of the area, then mulch the soil around the cypress tree and tie the seedling to the support.

Caring for cypress

How to care for cypress

Growing cypress primarily involves regular weekly watering of the plant. The amount of water poured under one plant per watering is approximately 10 liters, but if there is dry heat, then the cypress tree needs more frequent and more abundant watering. In addition, it is also necessary to spray an adult cypress tree at least once a week, and seedlings need to be sprayed daily. If the area around the plant is mulched with peat or wood chips that retain moisture well, water the cypress tree only when the top layer of soil dries out.

If for some reason you do not want to mulch the area with the cypress tree, you will have to regularly remove the weeds after watering and deeply, about 20 cm deep, loosen the soil in the area.

The first feeding of the seedling with complex fertilizers is carried out only two months after planting, and the concentration should be two times weaker than recommended for an adult plant. Adult cypress trees are fed with complex mineral fertilizer twice a month until mid-July. Kemira has proven itself well as such a fertilizer for conifers, which before watering the plants in an amount of 100-150 g is scattered around the tree trunk and embedded in the ground. From mid-summer, feeding is stopped, otherwise the plant may not have time to prepare for winter.

Cypress transplant

It is also advisable to replant cypress trees in the spring. Actually, transplantation is carried out according to the same principle as the initial planting of a seedling. But before you transplant the cypress tree, you need to take into account that you will have to dig up a plant with a branched horizontal root system.

Cypress pruning

Cypress care includes regular pruning of the plant. At the beginning of spring, the frozen ends of the shoots are cut off and old, damaged and dry branches are removed. In addition to performing sanitary pruning in the spring, you can shape the crown of the cypress tree. This usually involves maintaining the natural pyramidal or cone shape of the plant. In one haircut you can cut no more than a third of the green mass. At the end of the growing season, in the fall, in order for the crown of the plant to become thicker, a third of the current year's growth is cut off, maintaining its given or natural shape.

Don't leave bare branches on the plant because they will dry out anyway. The formation of the cypress crown begins a year after planting or replanting the plant.

Pests and diseases of cypress

Cypress trees are resistant to pests and diseases, but sometimes they are still affected by spider mites and scale insects, and the diseases most often affecting cypress trees are root rot.

The activity of spider mites causes the cypress tree to turn yellow and lose its leaves. Spider mites are destroyed by repeated treatment of the plant at weekly intervals with the acaricides Apollo, Neoron or Nissoran.

Scale insects feed on the sap of the plant, this disrupts the supply of leaves, the cypress dries out, its leaves fall off. Scale insects die after spraying cypress with Nuprid or a similar drug, and several treatment sessions may be required. If the damage is total, then it would be better to destroy the cypress before other plants become infected.

Root rot is a fungal disease that occurs from stagnation of moisture in the roots - which is why it is so important to lay a thick layer of brick and sand in the hole when planting. If the disease is not diagnosed in time, it can destroy the plant. A diseased cypress tree is dug up, its roots are cut to healthy tissue, treated with a fungicide and transplanted to a more suitable location in compliance with all agrotechnical requirements. If the disease has destroyed the root system, the plant will have to be destroyed.

Cypress propagation

How to propagate cypress

Cypress propagates both by seeds and vegetatively - by cuttings and layering. Wild plant species are most often propagated by seed. The simplest method is propagation by layering, and the most reliable is cuttings.

Cypress propagation by seeds

Properly collected and dried cypress seeds do not lose their viability for 15 years! Pre-sowing material must be stratified to improve germination. Seeds are sown in boxes or containers with light soil, taken out into the yard and placed under a layer of snow, where they will remain until spring. You can keep containers of seeds in the vegetable drawer of the refrigerator. With the onset of spring, the boxes are brought indoors, and as soon as the seeds warm up, they begin to germinate quickly at a temperature of 18-23 ºC, if you place them in a well-lit place, protected from direct sunlight.

The seedlings are watered moderately, and if they have sprouted too thickly, they are pruned. As soon as the temperature outside is positive, the crops for hardening begin to be taken out into the fresh air for several hours a day. As soon as the seedlings are strong enough, they are planted in open ground, in a bed with loose soil, located in a shady place in the garden, where they will remain overwinter under cover. However, the seed method of cypress propagation does not guarantee the preservation of the varietal characteristics of the parents, therefore it is justified only in the case of a selection experiment.

Cypress propagation by cuttings

In the spring, apical cuttings 5-15 cm long are cut from young side shoots, needles are removed from their lower part and planted in flower pots with a substrate consisting of sand and perlite in equal parts with a small addition of crushed pine bark, then covered with a plastic bag to create a greenhouse effect. With 100% air humidity, cuttings take root in one to two months.

You can plant the cuttings directly in open ground, but each cutting must be placed in a plastic bottle with the neck cut off. With normal development, cuttings planted in open ground can overwinter in the garden without shelter. If the cuttings take root late, they are brought indoors for the winter.

Cypress propagation by layering

This method is used to propagate prostrate or creeping forms of cypress. Low-growing shoots of the plant are bent to the ground, a cut is made on the outside of the shoot, a pebble is inserted into it so that it does not close, the layer is laid with the cut on the ground and secured with a staple. The top of the layering is tied to a peg, and the place where the shoot is attached to the ground is sprinkled with soil. During the growing season, the cuttings are watered together with the mother plant, and after it has formed its own roots, the cuttings are separated from the cypress tree and replanted.

It is advisable to transplant the cuttings to a new location in the spring, although the roots of the shoot may appear in the fall.

Cypress in winter

Cypress in autumn (preparing for winter)

Winter-hardy cypress species and varieties need shelter for the first 3-4 years of life after planting, and not so much from frost as from the bright winter and spring sun. To do this, you need to wrap the cypress trees with burlap, acrylic, lutrasil or craft paper.

Wintering of cypress

In the Moscow region, in the Urals or in Siberia, cypress is not grown in open ground - it is grown in large tubs, which are brought indoors for the winter. In warmer regions, in Ukraine, Moldova or Crimea, where cypress grows in gardens, adult plants overwinter normally without shelter.

Types and varieties of cypress

We offer you an introduction to seven types of cypress and their most popular cultivars.

Pea cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera)

Originally from Japan. The height of the pea cypress in the wild reaches 30 meters. The bark of plants of this species is brown with a red tint, the openwork crown is in the shape of a wide cone, the branches are spread horizontally. The color of the needles is bluish-blue, the cones are yellowish-brown, small - no more than 6 mm in diameter. The most popular cultivars of cypress pea:

• cypress Boulevard, or, if correct, Cypress Boulevard– reaches a height of five meters or more. The crown is in the shape of a pin, silver-blue needles are awl-shaped, curved inward, up to 6 cm long. The seedlings grow very slowly, but as they mature, growth accelerates, adding 10 cm of growth annually. Winter hardiness is low, so it is better to grow this cultivar in warm areas;
• cypress filifera grows up to five meters in height. The crown is in the shape of a wide cone, the shoots are spaced or drooping, strongly drooping towards the ends. Growth is slow. The needles are dark gray-green, scaly. In culture since 1861;
• cypress nana- a low-growing, slow-growing shrub with a squat, pillow-shaped crown. At the age of 60 years, the plant can reach no more than 60 cm in height and up to one and a half meters in diameter. The needles of this form of cypress are small, scale-like, and bluish in color. In culture since 1891.

Lawson's cypress (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana)

Native to North America, reaching a height of about 70 meters in nature. The crown of plants of this species is narrowly cone-shaped, widening downwards, the top is most often tilted to one side, the branches can descend to the ground. Thick red-brown bark cracks into plates, green needles, shiny on top, cones 8-10 cm in diameter, light brown with a bluish bloom. Varieties:

• Lawson Elwoodi cypress It has a cone-shaped crown and reaches a height of three meters. The branches are straight, slightly drooping, the blue needles are thinner than the original species, and have many forms: Elwoody Gold, Elwoody Pijmi, Elwoody White, Elwoody Pillar;
• Blue Seprise– a dwarf form up to 3.5 meters high and a dense, narrow pyramidal crown up to one and a half meters in diameter. The bark is brownish-reddish, prone to cracking, the needles are very small, silver-blue;
• Lawson Flatchery cypress grows up to eight meters in height. Its crown is columnar, the branches are directed upward, the branches are bluish or green, and in autumn they acquire a purple tint. The form was introduced into culture in 1911.

Blunt cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa)

Japanese origin. In nature it grows up to 50 meters in height, the trunk reaches a girth of two meters. The bark is smooth, light brown, the shoots branch densely and repeatedly, the tops droop slightly. The needles on the upper side are yellow-green or green, shiny, on the lower side they have distinct white stomatal stripes. The leaves are scale-like, pressed to the shoots. In culture since 1861. Popular varieties:

• Albopicta- a dwarf cultivar up to two meters high. Numerous branches are arranged horizontally, branches with yellow-white tips, green needles;
• Sanderi– a slowly growing dwarf form with horizontal or straight branches of uneven thickness and fork-shaped branches. The needles are bluish-green, purple-violet in winter;
• Contorta– pin-shaped cypress up to two meters high with dense light green needles.

Thuja cypress (Chamaecyparis thyoides)

Comes from North America. In nature it reaches a height of 25 meters, the trunk diameter is up to one meter. The crown of this species is in the shape of a narrow cone. The bark is red-brown. Light green or dark blue needles emit a peculiar odor when rubbed. In culture since 1736. Shapes:

• Konica– dwarf form with a pin-shaped outline. It grows slowly. The branches are straight, blunt, needles are awl-shaped, curved down;
• endelaiensis- a dwarf keeled cypress up to 2.5 meters high with short dense branches, straight branches and slightly fan-shaped branches. The needles are bluish-green, paired opposite.

Nootka cypress or yellow cypress (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis)

Grows naturally along the Pacific coast. This tree reaches a height of 40 meters. Its crown is graceful, dense, the tops of the branches form a fan-shaped pattern. The bark is peeling, gray-brown. The needles are dark green in color and emit an unpleasant odor when rubbed. The cones are spherical. Popular shapes:

• Pendula (weeping)– drought-resistant and smoke-resistant tree up to 15 m tall with drooping ends of shoots and small, shiny dark green needles;
• Glauka– the height of this cypress tree is 15-20 meters, the diameter of the narrow-conical crown is about 6 meters, the cracking bark is gray-brown, the needles are prickly, scaly, bluish-green.

After this article they usually read

Cypress is a decoration for any landscape design. But today it can be grown even at home, which gardeners are very happy about. The presence of pine needles in the house has a beneficial effect on the nervous and respiratory systems of all residents.

Caring for cypress trees involves systematic watering and spraying (it is advisable that the ground is constantly moist). The plant loves bright light, but without contact with direct sunlight.

The plant purifies the air and produces oxygen. Externally it is cone-shaped. The structure of the needles is similar to that of thuja. Small cones add forest flavor. An evergreen tree native to North America. In room conditions it reaches 50-60 cm in height.

Growing and care

Location, lighting and temperature

If you have such a “pet”, do not forget that it is still a forest dweller and requires special conditions. He loves bright light, but without the scorching rays of the sun. In the summer, the needles can get burned. An excellent place for it is an east or west window. The south side is also acceptable, but away from the windows. She loves fresh air, ventilate the room regularly. From the moment it becomes warm at night, it is taken out to a balcony, terrace or under a canopy in a private area. The latter option provides protection from the sun, drafts and precipitation. Species with yellow needles are less capricious and bask in the direct rays of the Star without any problems.

Does not tolerate high temperatures. Favorable conditions for it are 20-25 degrees in summer and 11-14 in winter. The most difficult thing is to create the necessary microclimate in the heat if the room does not have air conditioning and a balcony. Ice will help with this. Several cubes are placed on the tray of the flowerpot. In addition, they resort to using a spray bottle. During the heating season, move it away from the radiators.

Humidity and watering

Categorically does not tolerate dry air. This could cost the cypress tree its life. Experienced owners advise purchasing a hygrometer and monitoring its readings. Optimally they should be no lower than 50%. To ensure and maintain such conditions, there are many means and devices: regular irrigation; a container with expanded clay installed in the immediate vicinity, onto which water is poured as it evaporates; pot tray; electric humidifier.

From April to October, spraying is carried out in the morning and evening. Only warm and settled liquid can be used.

Prefers regular and abundant watering so that the soil is constantly moist. From spring to autumn he “drinks” every day, on other days of the year - once a week. Sometimes in frosty times they do without moisturizing at all. The procedure is replaced by a tray with moisture-retaining sphagnum moss. The water should be filtered, warm and lime-free. Stagnation is not acceptable. It is better to pour a little, but often. Evaporation is stopped by mulching. If you notice dry soil in a container, then, regardless of the season, immediately water your pet. Another way to provide him with the desired conditions is a shower. The pot is first covered with film so as not to erode the soil and prevent stagnation of liquid.

Choosing a pot

You should not select a huge container. Measurements of the exotic itself will help you determine the size correctly. The depth should be one third of the height, and the width should be half the width. When the vessel is subsequently replaced, the new one is larger by 2-3 in diameter.

Choose stable and heavy flowerpots so that they do not tip over. It is necessary to have through drainage holes.

Soil and fertilizers

The most suitable one, capable of ensuring full growth and development, is light, nutritious, with a neutral or slightly acidic reaction. A specialized store sells substrate for conifers. It is fluffed before use. You can prepare it yourself by mixing the following ingredients:

• base (3 parts) turf soil;
• 1 share of leaf soil;
• sand;
• peat.

Drainage is required (pebbles, fragments of stone, brick, etc.).

You can't do without additional food. It is applied from March to November. Mineral and organic complexes are ideal, which alternate. It is more convenient if they are in liquid form. The market always has a large selection of fertilizers for ornamental plants or bonsai. Schedule: every 2 weeks. The dose indicated on the packaging by the manufacturer is divided in half. Not required in winter. Before applying them, the soil is carefully loosened. Growth stimulants should not be used. Under their influence, the tree can completely lose the decorativeness of its crown.

Plant pruning

Only sanitary procedures are carried out. It helps maintain the correct shape of the “cap”. Held in the spring. Remove all yellowed, dried and dying branches. Deformed processes are removed completely, leaving not a single centimeter. In autumn, prune slightly to stop growth.

Ephedra pests and diseases

Despite its resistance to many troubles, if not properly cared for, cypress becomes easy prey for insects and diseases.

The appearance of small white spots and thin cobwebs are sure signs of an attack by this uninvited guest. If you do not react in time, the needles will change color and then begin to dry out and crumble. Special means will help get rid of pests - fitoverm, temik and folk methods - onion decoction, garlic or dandelion.

Have you noticed any uncharacteristic yellow, green or gray bumps? This is the pest. It feeds on green juice and causes weakening, and then a more serious consequence - death. First, you can use less harmful folk remedies - an infusion of potassium soap or horseradish.

But, if the expected result is not achieved, then they resort to chemical drugs - Actara, Actellik or Mospilan.

Root rot

Appears when the contents of the water supply system regularly stagnate. Absence or insufficient drainage and unsuitable soil play a negative role. Only transplantation solves the problem. Carefully removing the bush from the bowl, remove the affected roots and transfer them to a new container.

Transplantation and propagation of cypress

For young representatives, the flowerpot is replaced every spring using the transshipment method. If it is not an emergency (attack of insects or diseases), then a prerequisite is the preservation of the earthen coma. It is home to beneficial insects - symbiont fungi. They participate in the process of assimilation by the plant of useful elements from the soil. For the older generation, it is enough to “move” once every 2-3 years.

Fully grown exotics need to be replanted as the container fills with the root system. They can change the top layer of soil every year. The culture is propagated using two methods.

Propagation by cuttings

Cut off the side shoots (9 to 11 cm in length) from an adult and healthy “mother”. For rooting, a mixture of sand and peat and water are allowed. All this time the room should be warm (at least 23 degrees), light and humid. The shoot is regularly sprayed and protected from drafts. You can create a mini-greenhouse. It will take at least 3 months for roots to form.

After this, they are immediately transplanted into a full-fledged pot, using traditional cypress soil.

Seeds

Less popular method due to low efficiency. The long process begins with finding good planting material, then stratification.

The seeds are placed in a moistened soil mixture for 3 months, the temperature in the room does not rise above +7. For germination, the situation changes - the thermometer stops at +22, and the mixture is replaced with nutrient soil. Each seed is placed in an individual bowl.

How to choose a healthy plant in the store

It all starts with a thorough inspection of the exterior. If the root system is visible on the surface, then refuse to purchase immediately. Any type of needles is very sensitive and cannot tolerate such an omission without consequences. An important indicator of health is needles. It should be green, dense and elastic. With slight pressure, a persistent aroma spreads.

You should not buy a specimen if spots, stripes, insects and cobwebs, dry or yellowed branches are noticeable.

Pay attention to the conditions of detention and the proportionality of the size of the flowerpot. After purchase, replanting is not required until next spring (except when it has become small).

Types and varieties

The most popular representatives of indoor cypress:

• Kashmiri;
• Mexican;
• large-fruited;
• evergreen.

Several decades ago, growing a coniferous tree in an apartment was out of the question, but today it is available to everyone. Dwarf and ornamental coniferous plants are quite suitable for these purposes. Thuja, some varieties of cedar, cryptomeria, and cypress are grown quite successfully at home. There is also a plant called chamaekiparis in this list (indoor cypress, cypress, chamaekiparis). This plant not only decorates the house, but also benefits the health of its inhabitants, releasing beneficial substances into the air that kill bacteria and germs. In addition, indoor chamaecypress will fill the house with subtle forest aromas.

Short description

The description of Hamaecypressus should begin with the fact that it is a representative of monoecious coniferous evergreen trees belonging to the Cypressaceae family. And in appearance, this beauty resembles a real cypress: cone-shaped, with cones and needles. In nature, wild cypress grows up to 70 meters, and at home its height does not exceed two to three meters. The most commonly grown ornamental species of this plant are: Dull, Lawsona, Nutkansky, Pea-fruited, Large-fruited. All these species have differences in appearance, but they are united by the shape of the crown, an erect trunk, cones with downward and slightly protruding scales. An exception is the weeping species of Cashmere cypress, whose branches hang down.

Features of care

To provide Hamaecypress with proper care at home, you need to know its biological characteristics. So, an ornamental tree loves light, but also tolerates shadow quite well. But drafts are extremely undesirable for him. The most favorable place to place the pot is a north or east window. However, indoor cypress will still need shading on these windows in the summer. To “dilute” the greenery, create a small floral group arrangement by including brightly flowering plants.

Caring for Hamaecypress at home also includes regular light watering. In this case, the substrate in the pot must be fertile and very well drained. If the room has high humidity, then 2-3 moderate waterings per month will be enough. Make sure that the earthen ball never dries out! Spraying will not be amiss, and in winter chamaekypress can be kept in a tray with water.

And now about how to care for chamaekiparis in the winter. Firstly, the plant needs a cool winter. The optimal temperature is no higher than 10 and no lower than 7-8 degrees Celsius. Of course, such a temperature in an apartment is unacceptable, but an insulated balcony or loggia is an excellent option. But watering should be significantly reduced. You can even replace it with a tray filled with water and pebbles.

Hamaecypress propagates by both cuttings and seeds. To propagate this tree using cuttings, in the spring you need to separate it from woody cuttings of the mother plant. As for germinating seeds, this process is very labor-intensive, lengthy and not always justified.

And finally. How to care for chamaecypress so that the indoor plant does not turn into a real tree? Firstly, do not use a variety of fertilizers for conifers unless necessary, so as not to provoke active growth. Secondly, in the autumn, you can prune the chamaekiparis, thereby adjusting its height.

By providing indoor chamaekiparis with optimal conditions for growth and proper care, you will get a beautiful plant that will provide your home with clean and fresh air.

Hamaecypress Elwoodi (plant)

Briefly: A living New Year's souvenir. The plant is as in the photo, height is about 30-40 cm. Description Hamaecypress Elwoodi or Cypress belongs to the Cypress family. This species is specially bred for indoor culture. It looks very decorative.
Cone-shaped crown. The branches are green and shiny above, bluish below. With age, the needles acquire a bluish tint. Shade-tolerant, moisture-loving, unpretentious. Not damaged by pests and diseases. At a young age, the tree tolerates shade, but later becomes more light-loving. Grows best in light, moist soils.
Temperature: Moderate, cool in winter - at least +5°C, optimal wintering at +8-10°C. From the end of May to the end of August, it is better to keep cypress in the fresh air, in the shade and protected from drafts. Hot air from central heating radiators is destructive for cypress.
Lighting: Cypress needs bright diffused light, shading from direct sunlight, especially in summer. In winter, cypress needs a bright room. If in summer it is not permissible to keep cypress on an open windowsill (except for northern windows), then in winter you will have to move the cypress as close to the light as possible, even to the southern window, but only until the hot spring sun. With a lack of light, the cypress stretches out and loses its shape; on the contrary, with too much light, the leaves turn yellow and crumble.
Watering: Abundant from spring to autumn. Moderate in winter. Cypress does not tolerate excess water and does not tolerate drying out of the soil. More precisely, drying out the earthen coma is simply destructive for the conifer. Watering in winter depends on the room temperature, for example, when kept at a temperature of 8°C, watering will be approximately once every 10 days, and at a temperature of 12-14°C once every 5-7 days.
Fertilizer feeding: From May to August, potted plants are fed with liquid mineral fertilizer for indoor plants, the fertilizer is taken at half the recommended dose. Feeding is carried out once a month.
Air humidity: Regular spraying in spring and summer. If in winter it is not possible to provide the cypress with a cool room, then it should also be sprayed with warm water in the morning and evening.
Transplantation: Annually in spring, in April - May. Cypress does not tolerate injury to the root system very well, so complete replanting with replacement of soil is only necessary, but usually transshipment is used, with partial replacement of the top layer of soil. Simply put, potted plants replace only that soil, which is easily separated from the roots itself if the conifer is removed from the pot. Soil for cypress - 1 part turf soil, 2 parts leaf soil, 1 part peat soil, 1 part sand. Cypress loves loose soil; when replanting, make sure that the root collar is not buried in the ground, otherwise the plant may die. Good drainage is a must.
Reproduction: By lignified cuttings in spring and summer. Seeds in spring.

Cypress (Chamaecyparis) cypress family

Cypress (Chamaecyparis) - the genus is represented by evergreen monoecious trees and shrubs. There are 6 species in the genus, native to North America, Japan and Taiwan. Tall types of cypress develop into a columnar tree with a regular crown shape and durable wood that resists pests and wood-destroying fungi for a very long time. Of the 6 species, only 4 species are cultivated in our Central European gardens. All of them are more or less cone-shaped trees with a straight trunk and drooping tips of shoots and branches.

The branches are flat, the needles are scaly, cross-shaped, often whitish on the underside. Male flowers appear in large numbers and are quite decorative. Female flowers are located one at a time on the side branches and are inconspicuous. The cones are small (up to 8 mm), spherical, hard, woody, with convex scales, with or without a point, and ripen in the first year. A seed with two wings.

Propagated by seeds, cuttings, grafting. Prefers moist soils, avoids calcareous soils. Shade-tolerant. Resistant to city conditions. Durable.

Because Chamaecyparis species mutate easily, gardeners have developed a huge variety of growth forms and needle colors over the past 100 years. Cypress trees are a large and very diverse group of evergreen coniferous plants; in city parks and gardens, cypress trees can create an interesting picture.

Let's consider the most decorative, unpretentious frost-resistant cypress varieties and species that can be used in decorative landscaping throughout Ukraine without any problems:

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana (Lawson's cypress)

The distribution area of ​​Lawson's cypress in nature is in the mountains on the North American coast of the Pacific Ocean, climbing low into the mountains, where it settles in wet coastal valleys at an altitude of up to 1700 m above sea level. In its homeland, the tree is 30-40 m high with a trunk diameter of up to 3 m. In the middle zone in cultivation, its size is much smaller. The root system is superficial with a large number of fine roots, it is not picky about soil composition, can grow on all cultivated garden soils that are not too dry, develops optimally on moderately nutritious garden soils, from fresh to moist, acidity can vary widely, ranging from acidic to ending with slightly alkaline. Its great advantage is its resistance to pests and diseases; it is practically not susceptible to disease. Lawson's cypress is light-loving, but can also grow in the shade; varieties whose colors contain blue and yellow tones; in shady places the color saturation decreases, but in general the decorative effect is preserved. Lawson's cypress is one of the most beautiful representatives of coniferous plants; the richest variety of forms allows it to be used in any composition, purpose and style, as well as in a container version. Ornamental garden varieties of Cypress Lawson:

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana (Lawson's cypress) 'Columnaris'

A fast-growing, densely branched tree in the shape of a straight column, the crown branches out from the ground itself, and retains its shape in old age. Annual growth in height is 20 cm, width is 5 cm, at 10 years it reaches 3-4 m in height. adult plant about 6-10 m high. and 1-1.5 (2) m wide. The needles are gray-blue, later more bluish-green. Undemanding to soil and climate, resistant to industrial emissions, shade-tolerant. One of the most frost-resistant varieties of Lawson cypress. It is recommended to plant separately and as an element of garden compositions. An excellent plant for a hedge. Winter hardiness zone 6A

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana (Lawson's cypress) 'Dart's Blue Ribbon'

A valuable fast-growing, columnar variety, reaching 3 m in height at the age of 10 years. The scales are bright blue. It is undemanding to soil and moisture, especially frost-resistant. Used as a color and form element in compositions. Winter hardiness zone 6A

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana (Lawson's cypress) 'Ivonne'

Cypress with a conical, tightly closed crown, branches growing straight, fan-shaped, characterized by high frost resistance and rapid growth. At 10 years it reaches 2.5 m in height, an adult plant is about 5-7 m in height. and 2-3 m wide. Very old specimens can be even taller. The needles are golden-yellow or pure yellow, greenish-yellow in the shade, and retain their color in winter. Requires fertile, moist soils. Recommended as a bright element in garden compositions. Tolerates clipping well and is currently considered the best yellow form. Winter hardiness zone 5B

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana (Lawson's cypress) 'Pelt's Blue' - Van Pelts Blue

A small slender cone-shaped fast-growing tree, the branches grow strictly vertically. At the age of 10 it reaches heights. 3 m. mature plant about 5-8 m. high. and 1.2-1.5 (1.8) m wide. The scales fit tightly to the branches of a bright steel color with a blue coating. Currently considered the bluest cypress with a columnar shape. Soil and moisture requirements are average. The variety is frost-resistant. Recommended for color compositions. Winter hardiness zone 6A

Chamaecyparis lawsoniana (Lawson's cypress) 'Stardust'

A wide-cone-shaped variety, quite fast-growing, about 20-25 cm per year, reaches 2-2.5 m in height at the age of 10 years, an adult plant is about 8-10 m in height. and 3.5-4 m wide. The shoots are pinnate, densely arranged, golden yellow, retain color even inside the bush. It appeared in Europe only in 1965, and in 2002 it won the award of the English Royal Horticultural Society. To grow it requires fertile and moist soil. The variety is frost-resistant. Tolerates haircuts well. Recommended for flower garden compositions. Winter hardiness zone 6A

Chamaecyparis nootkatensis (Nutkan or yellow cypress)

The distribution area of ​​Nutkan cypress in nature is the coast of North America, from Oregon to southern Alaska. It grows in the mountains, rising to a height of 2500 m, in deep, cool-moist, predominantly acidic soils. Wild species in their homeland reach a height of 30-40 m and a width of 5-7 m. The root system is superficial, in general it is not picky about soils, it only requires sufficiently moist soil and air, this is its native element. The amount of nutrients comes second after water supply. Light-loving, can grow in the shade, very winter-hardy. Nutkan cypress is one of the most beautiful representatives of coniferous plants; especially attention should be paid to weeping forms.

Decorative garden varieties of Nutkan or yellow cypress:

Chamaecyparis nootkatensis (Nutka cypress) ‘Aurea’

A fairly fast-growing tree with a symmetrical cone-shaped crown, an annual growth of about 25-30 cm in height, 15 cm in width, with age with a strong straight trunk and strong dense raised or spreading branches, with slightly hanging tips of the shoots. At the age of 10 years, reaching 2.5 m in height, an adult plant is 15-20 m, very old specimens can be much taller. Wild species reach 30-40 m in height and 5 (7) m in width in their homeland. The color of young growths is yellowish, then greenish-yellow, dim. Soil and moisture requirements are average, avoid calcareous soils. Frost-resistant. Due to the shallow, flat root system, young plants may suffer in winter in very dry areas. Shade-tolerant. Recommended for planting in large gardens and parks. Winter hardiness zone 5B

Chamaecyparis nootkatensis (Nutka cypress) ‘Compacta’

The dwarf form has a dense ovoid or spherical shape. The shrub grows relatively slowly, annually adding 5-7 cm in height and 8-10 cm in width, reaching approx. 1 m. height The size of an adult plant does not exceed 1.5-1.8 m in height, the diameter of the bush is 2.5-2.8 m. Sometimes up to 3.0 m. The shoots are short, highly branched, some lie in a horizontal plane, others extend into sides at different angles, grow unevenly, resulting in the formation of an asymmetrical, irregular, yet attractive, very dense, compact, rounded crown. The needles are tender, green with a bluish waxy coating. Soil and moisture requirements are average; it loves open sunny places, although it can grow in drafty shade. Winter hardiness is high. Recommended for growing in small areas, near houses, in a small mixed group of plants, for alpine slides. Winter hardiness zone 5B

Chamaecyparis nootkatensis (Nutka cypress) ‘Glauca’

A fast growing variety with a symmetrical cone shape. The annual increase in height is about 25-30 cm, in width 15 cm, reaching 3 m in height at 10 years. The size of an adult plant is 15-20 m tall, very old plants can be taller. Width 5-6 (7) m. The branches are very strong, dense, raised or spreading, the branches and shoots are thicker than those of other varieties, often hanging strongly, the shoots are slightly drooping, heavy. The needles are greenish-blue. Soil and moisture requirements are average, avoid calcareous soils. Shade-tolerant. Frost-resistant. Removes harmful emissions. Recommended for planting in large gardens and parks. Winter hardiness zone 5B

Chamaecyparis nootkatensis (Nootka cypress) ‘Jubilee’

Beautiful weeping form. A fairly fast-growing, extremely narrow, pyramidal, graceful tree with a strong central leader. The annual growth is about 20-25 cm, at the age of 10 it reaches 2.5 m in height. The shoots are long, hanging, green. Soil and moisture requirements are average. An excellent form for single plantings in small gardens. Winter hardiness zone 5B

Chamaecyparis nootkatensis (Nootka cypress) ‘Pendula’

Nootka cypress Pendula is a fabulously beautiful variety, one of the most beautiful varieties among weeping coniferous trees. Widely spreading, broadly conical weeping tree form. The needles are dark green, the side shoots and the top are drooping. A fast-growing variety, annual height growth is 15-25 cm, at 10 years it reaches about 3 m in height, an adult plant reaches up to 10-15 m in height, crown diameter is about 3.5-5.5 m. Moderate requirements for soil and climate. A beautiful tree, recommended as a tapeworm, in a prominent place. Winter hardiness zone 5B

Chamaecyparis nootkatensis (Nootka cypress) ‘Variegata’

One of the most elegant two-tone forms. Crown, symmetrical pyramidal. The trunk is smooth, the skeletal branches are long, slightly arched, the apex and ends of the shoots are drooping. It grows slowly, at 10 years it reaches 1.5 m in height. The needles are very attractively colored, green with a large number of scattered white spots. Soil and moisture requirements are average. Looks effective in solitaire plantings. Winter hardiness zone 5B

Chamaecyparis obtusa (blunt cypress)

The distribution range of the wild species of obtuse cypress in nature is the wet rainy mountain forests of Japan, rising to a height of 500 to 1500 m above sea level, on nutrient-rich, moist, well-drained, non-calcareous soils. In nature, it is a rather large, tall tree, reaching 35-40 m in height with a thick, massive trunk. In culture its size is incomparably smaller. Photophilous, tolerates partial shade, prefers humus-rich, fresh, moist, well-drained fertile soils, from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline.

Decorative garden varieties of obtuse cypress:

Chamaecyparis obtusa (Drath)

Cypress obtuse Dras is an interesting slow-growing narrow-conical bush. At 10 years it reaches about 2 m in height. The needles are gray-green. The branches are straight, very thick (similar to the shoots of a moss). Needs fertile and moist soil. Recommended for Japanese and rocky gardens, as well as mixed compositions, especially in small gardens. Grows in sunny and semi-shaded places. Winter hardiness zone 6A

Chamaecyparis obtusa (blunt cypress) ‘Nana Gracilis’

A dwarf, very decorative, slow-growing shrub with an irregular, wide-conical crown. At 10 years it reaches about 0.5 m in height. The branching is dense, densely growing, the branches have the shape of a twisted shell and shiny dark green needles. Needs fairly fertile and moist soil and a secluded place. Recommended for small, Japanese and rocky gardens. Grows in sunny and semi-shaded places. Winter hardiness zone 5B

Chamaecyparis pisifera (Pea cypress)

The distribution area of ​​the wild species of pea cypress is the mountainous regions of Japan, damp in summer, on moist, rich soils. In nature, the pea cypress is a fairly large tall tree, about 30-40 m, in cultivation the size of the plant is approximately half that. Under cultural conditions, it requires fertile soils and periodic watering. Does not tolerate dry air well; periodic sprinkling is recommended. Light-loving, but at the same time shade-tolerant. A wide variety of garden forms and high frost resistance allow this beautiful species to be widely used in moderately cold, humid areas. Due to the abundance of forms, the use of pea cypress is varied: containers, slides, single plantings.

Decorative garden varieties of cypress pea:

Chamaecyparis pisifera (Cypress pea) ‘Boulevard’

Cypress pea "Boulevard" is a cone-shaped dense compact shrub, in youth it grows very slowly, with age it grows moderately, reaching about 2 m in height at 10 years, an adult plant reaches up to 5 m in height and 1.2-2 m in width. The needles are soft, non-thorny, silver-blue in summer, gray-blue in winter, one of the bluest varieties among decorative conifers. It is frost-resistant and undemanding, grows on all cultivated drained garden soils, is quite resistant to industrial emissions, and does not tolerate long periods of heat and drought. Grows best in fertile, moist soils in an open position. Recommended for small home gardens. Winter hardiness zone 5B

Chamaecyparis pisifera (Cypress pea) ‘Bady Blue’

The mutant of the popular variety ‘Boulevard’ differs from its ancestor in having a denser, more compact crown. Characterized by slow growth, initially oval with age, a wide-cone-shaped crown. At the age of 10 years it reaches about 0.6 m in height and 0.9 m in width. The needles are needle-shaped, delicate, soft, silver-blue. Requires sufficiently fertile and moist soils. Recommended for small areas and color compositions. Winter hardiness zone 5B

Chamaecyparis pisifera (Curly Tops)

Mutant variety ‘Boulevard’. A very decorative, slow-growing shrub with a dense cone-shaped shape. Reaches up to 1.5 m in height at the age of 10 years. The needles are needle-shaped, soft, with twisted ends, reminiscent of astrakhan fur, bright silver-blue. Needs fertile and moist soils. Recommended for small areas and color compositions. Winter hardiness zone 5B

Chamaecyparis pisifera (Filifera)

A tree with a spreading, wide-conical crown. Fast-growing, at 10 years it reaches 2.5 m in height. The shoots are thin, long, decoratively hanging, thread-like at the ends of the branches. The needles are scaly, dark green. Needs fertile, moist soils. Recommended for parks and large gardens, in group and single plantings. Winter hardiness zone 5B

Chamaecyparis pisifera (Filifera Aurea)

Wide-conical shrub, reaching 1.5 m in height at 10 years. The branching is atypical, the branches are rope-like and drooping. The needles are golden yellow. Undemanding to soil and moisture. Photophilous, tolerates slight shade. Recommended for single plantings and garden compositions. Winter hardiness zone 5B

Chamaecyparis pisifera (Filifera Aurea Nana)

A dwarf, slow-growing variety of flat-spherical or rounded shrub, reaches up to 0.4 m in height at the age of 10 years, width is about 0.6 m, an adult plant reaches about 1.5 m in height and is twice as wide. The shoots are hanging, cord-like. The color is bright golden yellow and retains color in winter. Light-loving, brings a little shade. Soil and moisture requirements are average. Soils range from fresh to moist, acidic to alkaline. Recommended for small gardens, alpine slides and rock gardens. Winter hardiness zone 5B

Chamaecyparis pisifera (Filifera Nana)

A dwarf, very slow-growing, flat-spherical or rounded shrub, 0.5 m tall at the age of 10 years. The shoots are thin, rope-like, hanging, green. Requires relatively moist and fertile soil. Grows in sunny and semi-shaded places. Recommended for small and rocky gardens, alpine slides and rock gardens. Winter hardiness zone 5B

Chamaecyparis pisifera (Cypress pea) ‘Nana’

Pea cypress "Nana" is a dwarf variety, very slow growing, forms a cushion-shaped crown. Annual growth is 2.5 cm or less. At the age of 10 years it reaches up to 0.3 m in height and 0.5 m in diameter. The shoots are densely arranged, curly, bright green. Soil and moisture requirements are average. Prefers sun to partial shade. Recommended for containers, rock gardens. Winter hardiness zone 5B

Chamaecyparis pisifera (Cypress pea) ‘Nana Aureovariegata’

Cushion-shaped, very slow-growing, annual growth less than 2.5 cm, at the age of 10 it reaches only 0.2 m in height. with a diameter of 0.4 m. The shoots are short, curly, dense, dark green with small scattered yellow fragments. Soil and moisture requirements are average. Prefers sun to partial shade. Recommended for small gardens, alpine slides and rock gardens. Winter hardiness zone 5B

Chamaecyparis pisifera (Cypress pea) ‘Plumosa’

A cone-shaped fast-growing variety, annual growth in height is about 15-20 cm, width is 10-15 cm, reaches about 2 m in height at the age of 10 years, with age the growth rate weakens. With age it forms small trees. An adult plant reaches up to 10-12 m in height and about 4-5 m in crown diameter. The crown is wide-conical or pyramidal, symmetrical with a beautiful regular silhouette, with dense arched, pinnately curly shoots. The needles are scaly and needle-shaped, bright green in color. Needs fertile and moist soils, tolerates short-term stagnation of water in the upper layers of the soil. Shade-tolerant, resistant to industrial emissions. The variety is especially valuable for forming hedges. Planted in a row every 0.6-0.8 m. Winter hardiness zone 5B

Chamaecyparis pisifera (Plumosa Aurea)

Pea cypress ‘Plumosa Aurea’ is a cone-shaped, rather fast-growing variety, the growth pattern is the same as ‘Plumosa’. At a young age, growth is more active, the tree adds 15-20 cm annually, then the growth rate slows down and the growth does not exceed 7-10 cm, reaching about 1.5 m in height at the age of 10 years. With age it forms a small tree. An adult plant reaches up to 8-9 m in height and about 3.0-3.5 m in crown diameter. A tree with a dense dense shape, wide-cone-shaped, symmetrical with a beautiful regular silhouette, with arched, pinnately curly shoots. The needles are scaly and needle-shaped, bright yellow in color. Requires fertile and moist soils, ranging from acidic to alkaline. Photophilous, resistant to industrial emissions. Recommended for single plantings and mixed color compositions. Winter hardiness zone 5B

Chamaecyparis pisifera (Plumosa Aurea Compacta)

A dense, slow-growing shrub, initially round and then broadly cone-shaped. At the age of 10 years it reaches about 1 m in height. The needles are in the form of scales and needles of golden-green color. Grows best in fertile and moist soils. Sun-loving. Recommended for small gardens as a color accent. Winter hardiness zone 5B

Chamaecyparis pisifera (Cypress pea) ‘Snow’

Cypress pea "Snow" is a very attractive snow-white low shrub, with a flat-spherical and later cone-shaped crown. A shrub with bluish-blue-green needles mottled with white tips, seemingly covered with frost, this is especially pronounced in the spring. Slow growing, at the age of 10 years up to 0.5 m in height and 0.8 in width. An adult plant reaches up to 2 m in height and about 2 m in width. The shoots are small, tender, soft, densely located. The color of young shoots is creamy-white, then bluish-green. Somewhat sensitive to open hot sun and dry winds, the needles burn. It is preferable to plant in a sheltered location that is shaded from the hot afternoon sun. Requires fertile and moist soils and is tolerant of air pollution. Recommended for small gardens, as a color element of compositions, as a container plant. Winter hardiness zone 5B

Chamaecyparis pisifera (Cypress pea) ‘Sungold’

Beautiful dwarf form with a hemispherical crown, at 10 years 0.5 m in height, annual growth of 3-4 cm, an adult plant reaches a maximum height of 1 m and 2 m in diameter. The shoots are thin, thread-like, hanging beautifully to the ground, and grow evenly. The needles are scaly, soft, yellow-green or golden. Soil and moisture requirements are average. It is recommended to plant in a sunny location, in rocky and heather gardens. Winter hardiness zone 5B

The richest variety of garden forms of cypress allows it to be used in any composition, designated style, as well as in a container version. Cypress trees are beautiful both as a single plant and in various groups and hedges. We must remember that bright varieties with yellow and blue needles need plenty of light.

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What is the difference between thuja and cypress

Cypress is a tall, long-lived tree. Outwardly it resembles a cypress, but has thickened shoots and small cones with a diameter of 12 mm with 2 seeds. The crown is pyramidal with drooping branches. The leaves are green, pointed and tightly pressed. In young plants the leaf blade is needle-shaped, in adults it becomes scale-like.

Cypress is often confused with another evergreen tree - thuja. The plants belong to the same Cypress family and are very similar in appearance.

A comparison of the characteristics of these plants is given in the table:

Cypress in landscape design

Cypress tolerates urban conditions and grows in shade and partial shade. In hot weather, its growth slows down. The tree is sensitive to moisture deficiency in the soil and air, so before planting, consider an irrigation system. Cypress is suitable for decorating recreation areas of country houses, sanatoriums, recreation centers, and parks.

Cypress needles are highly decorative. The color depends on the variety; it ranges from light green to deep dark. Plants with golden and bluish-smoky needles are especially valued.

Due to its high winter hardiness and unpretentiousness, cypress is successfully grown in the middle zone. Depending on the variety, trees have different sizes. Tall hybrids are more often used in single plantings. Primroses and perennial herbs grow well under them.

Cypress is used for single and group plantings. A gap of 1 to 2.5 m is maintained between plants. Trees are suitable for creating a hedge, then a gap of 0.5–1 m is maintained between them.

Advice! Low-growing varieties of cypress are used in flower beds, rocky gardens, alpine hills and terraces.

Lawson cypress and pea fruit are grown indoors. Plants are planted in small containers and pots. They are placed on windows or verandas on the north side. To prevent the tree from growing, it is grown using the bonsai technique.

Types and varieties of cypress

The Cypress genus includes 7 species. All of them grow in the subtropical zones of Asia and North America. They are also cultivated in warm temperate climates. All varieties are frost-resistant.

Lawson's cypress

The species is named after the Swedish botanist P. Lawson, who became its discoverer. Lawson cypress wood is valued for its light weight, pleasant aroma and resistance to rotting. It is used in furniture production, as well as for the production of plywood, sleepers, and finishing materials. In recent years, the distribution area of ​​this species has decreased significantly due to massive logging.

Lawson's cypress is a tree up to 50–60 m high. The trunk is straight, the girth reaches 2 m. The crown is pyramidal in shape, the top is drooping, curved. The species is resistant to diseases and pests. In spring it is susceptible to sunburn. Prefers sandy, moist soils. It is recommended to plant it in the European part of Russia to create hedges.

Varieties of Lawson cypress trees with names, photos and descriptions:

1. Aurea. The tree is cone-shaped and has medium vigor. Reaches a height of 2 m. The branches are dense and green. Young growths are beige in color.

1. Fletchery. Columnar-shaped tree. In 5 years, the variety reaches a height of 1 m. The shoots are raised, greenish-blue, with needles and scales. Prefers fertile soils and lighted places.

1. Aluminum gold. Compact cone-shaped variety. The tree grows quickly, reaching 1.5 m in 5 years. The shoots are straight, young shoots are yellow, and over time they become bluish-gray. The variety is unpretentious to soil quality and humidity.

Cypress blunt-leaved

In nature, the blunt-leaved cypress grows in Japan and on the island of Taiwan. It is planted next to temples and monasteries. The species has a wide conical crown. The tree grows up to 40 m, the trunk diameter is up to 2 m. Decorative properties are preserved throughout the year. Frost resistance is above average; after a harsh winter it can freeze slightly. The decorative effect lasts all year round. Does not tolerate urban conditions well, grows better in forested areas.

Varieties of blunt-leaved cypress:

1. Coralliformis. Dwarf variety with a pyramidal crown. In 10 years it grows up to 70 cm. The branches are strong, dark green, twisted, reminiscent of corals. The variety prefers fertile soil with high humidity.

1. Tatsumi Gold. The variety grows slowly, has a spherical, flat, openwork shape. The shoots are powerful, strong, twisted, greenish-golden in color. Demanding on soil moisture and fertility.

1. Dras. An original variety with a narrow-conical crown. Grows up to 1 m in 5 years. The needles are green-gray, the shoots are straight and thick. Suitable for Japanese gardens and small areas.

Cypress pea

Under natural conditions, the species grows in Japan at an altitude of 500 m. The Japanese consider the cypress to be the habitat of the gods. The tree has a wide pyramidal shape. It reaches a height of 50 m. The crown is openwork with horizontal shoots. The bark is brown-red, smooth. Prefers moist soil and air, as well as sunny areas protected from the wind.

Important! All varieties of pea-bearing cypress do not tolerate smoke and air pollution.

Popular varieties of pea cypress:

1. Sangold. A dwarf variety with a hemispherical crown. In 5 years it reaches a height of 25 cm. The shoots are drooping and thin. The needles are green-yellow or golden. The requirements for soil quality are moderate. Grows well in sunny and rocky areas.

1. Filifera. A slow-growing variety up to 2.5 m high. The crown is spreading, in the shape of a wide cone. The branches are thin, long, thread-like at the ends. The needles are dark green with scales. The variety is demanding on soil quality and moisture.

1. Squarrosa. The variety grows slowly, reaching a height of 60 cm in 5 years. With age, it takes the form of a small tree. The crown is wide, conical in shape. The needles are soft, gray-blue in color. Grows best in fertile, moist soil.

Thuja cypress

The species was brought to Europe from North America. In nature, it is found in damp, marshy areas. The wood is durable and has a pleasant smell. It is used to make furniture, ships, and carpentry.

The tree has a narrow cone-shaped crown and brown bark. It reaches a height of 25 m. The unusual shape of the crown, bright color and cones give the plant its decorative qualities. Dwarf varieties are grown in containers. The species prefers sandy or peaty soils with high humidity. It develops worst in dry clay soil. Planting in shady places is allowed.

The main varieties of Thuja cypress:

1. Konika. A dwarf variety with a skittle-shaped crown. The tree is growing slowly. The shoots are straight, the needles are awl-shaped and curve downwards.

1. Endelaiensis. A dwarf plant, reaching a height of no more than 2.5 m. The shoots are short, straight, and densely spaced. The needles are green with a bluish tint.

1. Red Star. A hybrid 2 m high and 1.5 m wide. The crown is dense and compact, in the shape of a pyramid or column. The color of the needles changes depending on the time of year. In spring and summer it is greenish-blue, with the onset of cold weather violet shades appear. Grows well in the sun and can tolerate light partial shade.

Formosan cypress

The species grows in mountainous areas on the island of Taiwan. The trees reach a height of 65 m, the girth of the trunk is 6.5 m. The needles are green in color with a blue tint. Some specimens live more than 2500 years.

The wood is durable, not susceptible to attack by insects, and emits a pleasant aroma. It is used for the construction of temples and residential buildings. An essential oil with a relaxing aroma is obtained from this species.

The Formosan species is characterized by poor winter hardiness. It is grown at home or in greenhouses.

Cypress varieties for the Moscow region

Cypress is successfully grown in the Moscow region. The tree is planted in partial shade or in a sunny area. Fertile loamy or sandy loam soil is prepared for the plant. Work is carried out in the fall before the onset of cold weather or in the spring after the snow melts.

Important! The young tree is covered with burlap or agrofibre for the winter. The branches are tied with twine so that they do not break under the weight of the snow.

For successful cultivation, the plant is provided with care. It is watered regularly, especially during drought. The needles are sprayed every week. Mulching the soil with peat or wood chips helps prevent moisture evaporation. Until mid-summer, the tree is fed 2 times a month with complex fertilizer for coniferous trees. Dry, broken and frozen shoots are pruned.

Photos, types and varieties of cypress for the Moscow region:

1. Lawson cypress variety Yvonne. Variety with a conical crown. In 5 years it reaches a height of 180 cm. The needles are golden in color, which persists in winter. Grows in moist, humus soils. The needles are scaly, yellow in the sun, and green when this variety is grown in the shade. The color lasts throughout the winter. The intensity of color depends on the moisture and fertility of the soil.

1. Lawson cypress variety Columnaris. A fast-growing tree in the form of a tall column. At the age of 10 years, the variety reaches 3-4 m. The branches grow in a vertical direction. The needles are gray-blue. The variety is unpretentious to soil and weather conditions, and can grow in polluted areas. It is characterized by high winter hardiness.

1. Lawson cypress variety Elwoodi. A slow-growing tree with a columnar crown. In 10 years it reaches a height of 1–1.5 m. The needles are thin, rich blue in color. The shoots are erect. The variety is unpretentious in soil, but requires constant watering. Ideal for small gardens, in winter it can be used instead of a Christmas tree.

1. Lawson cypress variety Romana. Hybrid with a narrow ovoid crown. The apex has pronounced feathers. It develops slowly, reaching 50 cm in 5 years. The shoots are erect and densely spaced. The color is bright, golden yellow, and lasts through the winter. The tree is characterized by increased winter hardiness and is undemanding to watering and soil quality. Suitable for creating bright landscape compositions and solitaire plantings.

1. Pea variety Boulevard. Cypress will grow slowly and form a narrow conical crown. In 5 years it grows up to 1 m. The needles are soft, do not prick, and have a bluish-silver color. The tree is grown in open areas.

1. Pea variety Filifera Aurea. Shrub with a conical wide crown. It reaches a height of 1.5 m. The branches are hanging, rope-like. The needles are yellow. The variety is unpretentious and grows in any soil.

The considered photos, types and varieties of cypress will help you choose the appropriate option for your garden. The plant is unpretentious and resistant to frost. It is used for single plantings, hedges and more complex compositions. The variety is selected taking into account the weather conditions of the region, soil and place for cultivation.

Both of these plants can be dressed up as a potted Christmas tree. After all, they are relatives of fir trees and pines. Both also have a cone-shaped shape, beautiful curly branches, emit a pleasant aroma, purify the air and improve the atmosphere of the home. Let me remind you: all coniferous trees are recognized as the best green filters on Earth.

Home cypress has dark green needles, and cypress has light green needles. But when it comes to care, both are capricious and require compliance with all maintenance rules. “Conifers don’t live in an apartment,” the seller said about these evergreen curly pyramidal creatures.” However, the cypress lasted in my apartment for several months - until I made a mistake, which I will tell you about later.

In the meantime - basic rules for caring for cypress and cypress trees at home.

Cool and wet . In winter, these conifers need to be kept cool. A cypress or cypress tree is best left in a room with a temperature of 6-8 (maximum 15) degrees Celsius. In summer, the temperature should also not exceed 20 degrees. In a hotter room, plants should be sprayed at least 3 times a day.

At the same time, access to fresh air must always be maintained. Essentially, these outdoor plants cannot stand mustiness or stagnation. Also, these relatives of spruces and pines love high humidity. Plants should be sprayed regularly and placed away from batteries.

There is information that these trees do not like dirty, polluted air - they say they should not be placed on windows facing the highway. According to my observations, this is not the case. The cypress tree I had tolerated this kind of air. But I absolutely couldn’t stand the dust of the room. Therefore, he needs to ensure access to air masses (whatever they may be). This is a necessary condition. By the way, such a green friend treated “moderately cold” drafts normally. But I still advise you not to experiment with the icy wind - and protect yourself from it Cupressus, and Chamaecyparis.

Good sunlight . It should be remembered that these green doctors are southerners. Therefore, cypress and cypress trees need to be provided with sufficient natural light. They will not grow or develop in shade and partial shade. The best option for them is bright, diffused light. However, on south-facing window sills such plants should be shaded. It is better to keep it on the north side, using additional lighting - especially in winter. But most of all, such green friends will like the window sills on the east and west sides.

Timely transplant . In stores (and you will bring cypress or cypress from there) such conifers are sold in small transfer pots and in peat. As a rule, their root system is very large - and falls out of such flowerpots. Therefore, it is recommended to replant plants almost immediately after purchase. Give your new green friends a week to acclimate. And urgently apply for permanent residence. Select for them a special soil for conifers (these demanding creatures may not take root in a universal soil mixture) and a pot of suitable size. Use only the transshipment method - minimally traumatic for the roots.

Proper watering . Water cypress and cypress trees regularly as the top layer of soil dries out. Of course, these conifers do not like stagnant moisture in the pot. But what’s worse for them is the drying out of the earthen coma. Remember this.

Top dressing . Twice a month during the growing season, these plants should be fertilized with a special fertilizer for conifers.

In such conditions, my cypress lived and developed safely for several months. It had a growth of new branches - and it seemed that nothing could dislodge it from the windowsill. I kept him on a glassed-in balcony (loggia). And then the hot days came - and I decided to put him in the room. This became an irreparable mistake. Far from sunlight and with less abundant access to fresh air than on the balcony, the cypress withered away in a few days. From a green beauty, to my chagrin and shame, he turned into a real herbarium in a flowerpot. And only its aroma remained as strong as before...

P.S. How to buy cypress

Buying cypress or cypress tree in Kyiv is not a problem. These plants are sold in almost all flower shops, as well as in kiosks. And there are also on the Internet on flower forums. However, the choice of plant must be careful.

First of all, inspect it carefully. There should be no red, dry branches on conifers. Healthy cypress trees and cypress trees are lush, with needles of a characteristic green color. Ryzhina is a warning sign. After all, even in nature, as we know, such plants turn yellow for one reason - when they dry out and get sick. It is not worth buying such plants.

Feel the earthen lump. If it is very wet and it is cold outside, the plant may freeze.

In any case, ask for cypress or cypress to be packed. Although they require cold keeping, “the patience of trees has a limit” - at sub-zero temperatures they can freeze.

At home, regularly water and spray the tubs of these residents - and let them make you happy.

A genus of evergreen monoecious trees, depending on the variety, capable of growing more than 80 m in height. It differs from cypress in having flatter branches and small cones that ripen in 1 year. Under each scale there are 1–2 seeds. The main types of cypress are Nootka, pea-bearing, Lawson, blunt-leaved, thuja-shaped, Leyland. Most representatives are characterized by frost resistance. Planting and care are similar for all types.

Nutkan

International name in Latin - Chamaecyparis nootkatensis. Similar to Lawson's cypress; the main difference is the crown. At first it is narrow conical, later it becomes wide pyramid-shaped. The ascending shoots hang down at the ends. The bark is brownish-gray, cracks with age, and comes off in thin sheets. The needles are scale-like, sharp at the top. The species blooms in April. Female cones change color from brownish-red to brown with a bluish tinge and ripen the following year in May.

The ascending shoots hang down at the ends.

Varieties of Nootkan cypress:

• ‚Pendula‛;
• ‚Glauca‛;
• ‚Aypea‛;
• ‚Jubilee‛;
• ‚Lutea‛.

Chamaecyparis nootkatensis ‚Pendula‛- a tree 10–15 m high with a straight trunk, weeping, loose asymmetrical branches. At the age of 10 years it reaches 3 m, per year it increases by 15–25 cm. The Pendula cypress variety is undemanding to the soil, light-loving, and shade-tolerant. Requires abundant watering in summer and responds well to fertilizing with organic matter and complex mineral mixtures.

Glauca (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis ‚Glauca‛)- a tree 15–20 m high, reaching a maximum of 40 m. The crown is neat, cone-shaped, expanding at the bottom to 5–7 m in diameter. The shoots are raised, the needles are hard, scaly, with a bluish tint. Glauka is undemanding about soil fertility, but prefers fairly moist areas. Young seedlings must be protected from wind and frost for the winter.

Pea-bearing

Chamaecyparis pisifera- a tree 25–30 m high, in rare cases reaching 50 m. The crown is cone-shaped or narrow pin-shaped. The branches grow horizontally, flat, hanging, densely covered with needles. The bark is smooth, coming off in thin stripes, red with a brown or bluish tint. The needles are adjacent, with spaced tops, dark green in color, have white spots and stripes below, and emit a distinct smell.

Male pea cones consist of 6–10 pairs of brownish pollen sacs. There are many female ones being formed. They are spherical in shape, up to 0.8 cm in diameter, brown with a dark or yellowish tint, and grow on short petioles. There are 8–12 soft seed scales, 1–2 winged seeds are formed under each.

The branches grow horizontally, flat, hanging, densely covered with needles.

Varieties of pea cypress:

• ‚Aurea‛;
• ‚Boulevard‛;
• ‚Filifera‛;
• ‚Plumosa‛;
• ‚Squarrosa‛.

Boulevard (Chamaecyparis pisifera ‚Boulevard‛) used as an ornamental shrub or tree. The height is approximately 5 m. The crown is pin-shaped, symmetrical. The needles are awl-shaped, curved inward. The needles are silver-blue in summer, grayer in winter. At first the variety grows slowly, then growth accelerates. On average, the plant grows by 10 cm per year. Growing requires good lighting, fertile and moist soil. Winter hardiness for Boulevard cypress trees is quite low; protection from freezing is required.

Lawson

International Latin name - Chamaecyparis lawsoniana. The species includes trees and tall shrubs and resembles a thuja in appearance. The maximum height of a mature plant is 81 m. The crown shape is conical, the top consists of small horizontally directed or pendulous shoots. The bark is made up of black-brown scales. The needles of the Lawson species are scale-like. Male inflorescences are purple-red, female inflorescences are greenish, growing at the ends of the shoots. The cones are round, green at first, open in September and release winged seeds, which differ from other types of conifers in the presence of resin glands.

The shape of the crown is conical, the apex consists of small horizontally directed or pendulous shoots.

On a note! Lawson's cypress is shade-tolerant at a young age and later requires good lighting. The species prefers to grow on light, moist soils.

Popular varieties:

Blunt

Chamaecyparis obtuse also known as hinoki or blunt cypress. Tree-like form 25–50 m high, in cultivation it grows to 0.6–5 m. The crown is cone-shaped, composed of spaced branches. The bark is smooth, striped, and reddish-brown in color. The leaves are rounded, pressed, light green in color. Female cones of the blunt type are small and spherical.

The leaves are rounded, pressed, light green in color.

Varieties of blunt-leaved cypress:

Tuevidny

The international Latin name of the species is Chamaecyparis thyoides. Depending on the variety, it is represented by shrubs and trees; in cultivation it grows in height by 0.4–3.5 m, in container cultivation it is 1–1.5 m, in nature it reaches 20–35 m. The crown is often cone-shaped and narrow. The trunk is straight, up to 0.8 m in diameter, ¾ covered with thin, gradually expanding branches. The bark is ash-gray to brownish-red, smooth at first, later cracking and becoming unevenly furrowed.

The color of the foliage changes over the year from bluish-green to brownish.

Thuja cypress seedlings are covered with needle-like needles up to a year old; later they become scale-like, 0.2–0.4 cm long. The smell of the species is pleasant, reminiscent of cedar. The color of the foliage changes over the year from bluish-green to brownish. The cones are spherical, 0.4–0.9 cm in circumference, covered with 6–12 scales, covering 1–2 seeds. The fruits are initially green or purple and turn brown when ripe. They open in the second half of autumn, releasing 5–15 ripened seeds.

Varieties of thuja cypress:

• ‚Aurea‛;
• ‚Ericoides‛;
• ‚Hopkinton‛;
• ‚Ericoides‛;
• ‚Andelyensis‛;
• "Blue Sport";
• ‚Little Jamie‛;
• ‚Variegata‛.

Ericoides- cypress with an openwork columnar crown. The variety differs from others in the color of its needles. Young needles are blue, old ones are grayish-green. In winter, purple and bronze shades appear. Plant parameters 1.5x2–2.5 m, grows very slowly. The branches have few branches, but are dense and directed in different directions. Coniferous wood is used for park alleys, alpine slides, and Japanese gardens.

On a note! Thuja cypress variety Top Point is used to create bonsai.

Leyland

Variety Cupressos Leylandi obtained by crossing large-fruited cypress and Nootkan cypress. The crown is cone-shaped or pyramid-shaped. The species is characterized by rapid growth; with proper care, per year the plant grows by 1 m at a young age, later by 0.4 m upward, 0.2 m to the sides. Mature representatives of the coniferous species have dimensions of 4–10x2–3 m. The needles are soft, scale-like, green in color with a bluish coating.