Cupressus arizonica 'SULPHUREA' smooth cypress

Smooth cypress comes from SW of the USA and is probably the only true cypress that can survive winters of zone 6. Sulphurea is a French variety from 1963. As the name suggests, it has light yellow colour of new growths that turn pale yellow or light sulphur yellow in summer. The foliage forms typically thin, thread-like branches which are always erect when emerging, and are covered with small, pointed, scale-like leaves (needles). The dorsal glands produce tiny resin flecks that release very fragrant scent without having to touch them. Mature foliage is blue-green.

Sulphurea smooth cypress has dense, upright growth into a widely columnar or narrowly pyramidal shape. It grows moderately and can be pruned, trimmed, or sheared into any shape you like from mid spring until late summer. Just avoid cutting into old wood. Medium hard pruning deserves a dose of slow-release fertilizer.

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 it is supposed to withstand short spells of a few degrees lower. Though, a protected location is suggested to be found for it in zone 6, sheltered from drying winds and all-day sun in winter.

Last update 25-01-2013