Cupressus arizonica 'FASTIGIATA AUREA' smooth cypress

Smooth cypress comes from SW of the USA and is probably the only true cypress that can stand winters down to zone 6. Fastigiata varieties are of columnar habit and are a sought after plant for both exotic types of gardens as well as typical Central-European landscapes where it will create a perfect specimen planted among other conifers.

Fastigiata Aurea is a gorgeous variety with bright colour of needles. Although the Latin name Aurea means golden, the smooth needles are beige to sand yellow while branches nearer the trunk are silvery grey making a perfectly contrasting background for the beige surface.

Natural shape is conical and even without pruning it keeps quite a dense habit. Pruning and trimming however is very common in this case and should be carried out at the end of spring at the earliest, and then whenever and as many times as needed by mid autumn. Do not cut into old wood.

Smooth cypress will grow in any well-drained soil in full sun, sheltered from cold, drying winds. Its tested hardiness is -22°C (USDA zone 6b) and is supposed to survive a few degrees lower. Though, we still recommend avoiding mountainous regions with long-lasting winters, frost pockets, and open hilly landscapes where we it has not been tested yet.

Last update 20-02-2010