The columnar or Mediterranean cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) is widespread in the Mediterranean region. There the very slender, evergreen tree reaches heights of up to 35 meters. Here too, this plant, which is quite easy to care for, can be cultivated both in the garden and in pots, although young cypresses in particular need good winter protection.
How to care for a columnar cypress in the garden?
In order to successfully cultivate a columnar cypress in the garden, it needs a suitable location, well-drained soil and sufficient water. Young cypress trees should be kept cool but frost-free in winter and ideally covered with a breathable material.
Cultivate columnar cypresses correctly in the garden
This type of cypress is considered to be quite easy to care for, at least if you choose a suitable location with suitable soil and also ensure there is enough water. That's basically it for the care, because strictly speaking, not even pruning is really necessary - the tree naturally grows in a columnar shape. But be careful: columnar cypresses are extremely fast-growing, which is why you should take out the scissors from time to time. However, avoid cutting the top of the tree - otherwise the typical growth habit may be lost and the cypress will grow wider instead.
Suitable as a hedge or solitaire
Columnar cypresses are very popular for hedge planting in this country, not least because of their tolerance to pruning. But the very straight growing tree is also very suitable as a solitary plant or for planting a group of trees. Young columnar cypresses can even be grown in pots and decorate balconies, terraces and house entrances. However, since the trees are very vigorous, they should be transplanted into the garden after a few years.
Overwintering Mediterranean cypress
In fact, it is considered optimal to keep young Mediterranean cypresses in pots. These are often not yet sufficiently hardy and should therefore be kept cool but frost-free over the winter. As the trees get older, they are no longer too sensitive and can be placed directly in the garden without any problems. In winter, however, all columnar cypresses need good winter protection, for example by covering them with garden fleece (€34.00 on Amazon) or similar material. It is important that this is breathable and allows air to be exchanged - under plastic or similar, the plants quickly tend to get fungal infections and thus rot.
Tip
If the columnar cypress gets brown spots, then there is usually a lack of water behind it. In winter, an adequate water supply is particularly important.