The cypress is an evergreen conifer native to the Mediterranean and other warmer regions of the world. Cypress trees can also be grown in the garden in Germany - if the conditions are right. What you need to consider when caring for cypress trees in Germany.
Can cypress trees grow in Germany?
Cypress trees can thrive in Germany if they are planted in a warm, protected location, watered and fertilized regularly, and protected from frost in winter. If site conditions are unfavorable, more resistant alternatives such as false cypresses or thuja are recommended.
Warm, sheltered location
Cypresses like it warm to partially shaded. Shady locations are not suitable. The location should be somewhat sheltered from the wind.
Good areas for planting real cypresses are the Rhineland and other regions where temperatures do not drop too much in winter and it does not rain that often.
Water and fertilize regularly
The cypress's greatest enemy is drought. The root ball must never dry out completely. That's why you have to water cypress trees even in winter on frost-free days.
In spring you should supply the trees with compost (€12.00 on Amazon) or conifer fertilizer so that the cypresses find enough nutrients.
Protect from frost in winter
- Cover the soil with mulch
- Protecting trees with burlap
- water regularly
The cypress trees, which are only partially hardy, can also tolerate temperatures that drop to minus 10 - 15 degrees for a short time. If the frost periods last longer, you must ensure good winter protection.
Cover the ground with mulch. In unprotected locations, you can protect the trees from frost with burlap or brushwood carpets. Bubble wrap is only suitable as winter protection for potted plants, as the cover needs to be ventilated more often. Otherwise, mold will form or the trees will rot.
Cypress trees for unfavorable locations
You should really only plant real cypress trees where you can ensure a good location and the right soil moisture.
If your garden is in an area where it often freezes or rains a lot, it is better to plant false cypresses or thuja. These varieties are more resilient and can cope better with cold.
You don't have to do without real cypress trees on the terrace. Simply plant the conifers in containers. This makes it easier for them to overwinter and protect them from severe frost.
Tip
In recent years, cypress trees in the Mediterranean region have increasingly suffered from changes in the weather. Many trees there are threatened by fungal attack because the weather is far too dry or too wet.
