Bentham’s Cypress Data Sheet

• Common name: Bentham’s cypress

• Latin name: Cupressus Lusitanica Var Benthami

• Genus: Cupressus

• Height: 30 m (98 ft)

• Type: Evergreen

• Hardiness: Zone 7–11

• Conservation status: Near Threatened (UICN 3.1)

Mexican Bentham’s Cypress Info

The Mexican Bentham cypress is a medium-sized evergreen conifer native to Mexico.

Growth rates up to and beyond 30 m tall are not uncommon. Trunk diameter can exceed 2 m.

The leaves form in dense sprays (scale-like), 5 mm long with a rich dark green colour. The cones are spherical or oblong, 40 mm diameter and tucked tightly into the stems.

This is a must-have ornamental conifer for any landscape project and extremely rare in the United kingdom. There is only one small cluster of this species in the UK, located in Devon.

This species can live for 600–1000 years and creates a stunning fragrant landscape tree.

Growth Habit

Rapid shoot growth usually starts in February and continues until September. Height increases of 1.2–2.4 m (4–8 ft) each year are common.

These were sown this year and are growing rapidly. Plants are 3–4" tall.

Saplings are in pots. I recommend that they are separated into individual pots upon receipt.

Fully hardy off to minus 15°C or colder come autumn.

Care Instructions

Upon receipt these will need separating into individual pots, preferably 4" pots or bigger. Keep free from competing weeds and never allow to completely dry out, water logging should also be avoided. Do not be tempted to keep in the greenhouse as this may greatly harm the saplings via scorching. Trees will perform best raised outdoors in full sunny position. These grow very quickly and will soon need re-potting to beyond a 10" pot.

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