Experts differ on whether cypresses are actually hardy. Some say that cypresses are absolutely winter-hardy and thrive in any location, while others recommend only planting the decorative conifers outdoors in protected locations.
Are cypress trees frost resistant in winter?
Cypresses are conditionally hardy and can withstand frost down to -15 degrees as long as the cold periods are short. A blanket of mulch and covers such as brushwood, burlap or cotton cloth help to ensure frost protection outdoors. Cypresses grown in pots should overwinter frost-free.
How hardy are cypress trees really?
Cypress trees in the garden can tolerate shorter periods of frost. It can get down to minus 15 degrees for a few days, but as soon as the temperatures fall below freezing for a longer period of time, there is a risk that the tree will die.
An even bigger problem than the frost is the water supply in winter. Most damage such as yellow and brown needles or dried branches is caused by a lack of water.
Overwintering cypress outdoors
Cypress trees in sheltered locations where temperatures rarely fall below minus ten degrees are winter-proof. If the location is somewhat sheltered from the wind, you don't need to worry about whether the conifers will survive the winter well.
The situation is different in places that are unprotected and in areas where it often gets very cold in winter. Here you should definitely ensure that the cypress trees are protected from frost.
Protect cypress trees from frost
Put a layer of mulch under the trees or hedge. It prevents the soil from drying out too much. The cypress trees themselves protect you by
- brushwood
- Burlap
- thick cotton towels
draw over the plants. Plastic films are only suitable to a limited extent, as there is no air exchange and the cypresses can then quickly rot.
Cypresses in pots are not winterproof
If you grow cypress trees in a pot on the balcony or terrace, you must overwinter them frost-free. Temperatures at the winter location should not fall below five degrees.
If you have a wind-protected corner on the balcony or terrace, you can leave cypress trees outside over the winter. Provide winter protection by placing the pot on wood (€15.00 on Amazon) or Styrofoam and wrapping the plant in burlap. Place the bucket close to a protective house wall.
Water regularly even in winter
Even when it gets very cold, the cypress trees are often less affected by the cold than by the soil being too dry. That's why it's important that you water cypresses as a single tree or as a hedge regularly, even in winter.
Use frost-free days to provide the plants with slightly warmed water. This is especially true for potted plants, which dry out even more quickly in winter.
Tip
If you bring a cypress from the Mediterranean with you from your vacation as a souvenir, you should definitely not plant it outdoors. The tree would not survive a long, frosty winter. It's better to plant such cypresses in a pot straight away.
