Mediterranean Cypress Data Sheet

• Common name: Mediterranean cypress

• Latin name: Cupressus sempervirens

• Genus: Cupressus

• Height: 35 m (115 ft)

• Type: Evergreen

• Hardiness: Zone 7–11

• Conservation status: Least concern

Cupressus sempervirens, commonly known as the Mediterranean cypress, is a conifer native to the eastern Mediterranean region. Its range extends across Turkey, Algeria, Cyprus, Lebanon and Greece.

This tree is generally found at low altitudes, mostly from 100 m (330 ft) to 400 m (1,310 ft).

Mediterranean cypress is a medium sized evergreen tree, reaching a height of 35m (115 ft). This tree tends to form many smaller trunks instead of a single straight trunk. The leaves are dark green and formed in a scaled pattern and are 0.5 cm long. The cones are spherical and 4 cm diameter. Young cones are light green, turning medium brown when mature. Cone ripening takes 24 months.

It can live up to 800 years.

The Mediterranean cypress is closely related to the Italian Cypress, which shares many of its characteristics.

This is a fine specimen tree for any garden.

Pre Germination

These seeds need no pretreatment or stratification before sowing. Fill trays or pots with quality compost and firm down gently. Spread seeds across the surface; around 25 in a 10 cm pot is ideal. Cover with 3 mm of compost and gently firm down.

Keep compost damp, not soaking wet or dried out. Place pots or trays on a warm windowsill or in a warm conservatory. Germination should occur at 1–3 weeks.

Post Germination

Once seedlings appear, keep them in a well-ventilated, bright location to avoid damping off disease. A windowsill is ideal. Ensure seedlings never dry out. Water logging should also be avoided; young trees hate wet feet. These seedlings are large and sturdy and will give you little hassle. They can be separated into their own 4" pots at 30–35 weeks; by this stage they are frost hardy and can stay outside. Fertilization is not required up to this point. During spring and summer we advise using an NPK 10-10-10 fertilizer every 4 weeks.

CAUTION: Slugs and snails love juicy young pines and spruce.

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