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Cypress is a representative of evergreen coniferous trees, which is widely used in landscape design. Its homeland is the forests of North America and East Asia. Depending on the place of growth, the shape and color of the shoots, several types of cypress trees are distinguished. Most of them have a decorative appearance. They tolerate harsh winters well and need fertile and moist soils. To make a choice in favor of one of the trees, you need to study photos, types and varieties of cypress.
What is the difference between thuja and cypress
Cypress is a tall, long-lived tree. Outwardly it resembles a cypress, but has thickened shoots and small cones with a diameter of 12 mm with 2 seeds. The crown is pyramidal with drooping branches. The leaves are green, pointed and tightly pressed. In young plants the leaf blade is needle-shaped, in adults it becomes scale-like.
Cypress is often confused with another evergreen tree - thuja. The plants belong to the same Cypress family and are very similar in appearance.
A comparison of the characteristics of these plants is given in the table:
Thuja | Cypress |
Genus of gymnosperm coniferous trees | Genus of evergreen monoecious trees |
Shrub, rarely tree | Large tree |
Reaches 50 m | Grows up to 70 m |
Average lifespan – 150 years | Lifespan 100–110 years |
Scale-like, cross-lying needles | Scale-like opposite needles |
Oval cones | Round or elongated cones |
Branches are located horizontally or directed upwards | Drooping shoots |
Releases a strong ethereal aroma | The smell is weak, has a sweetish note |
Found in the middle zone | Prefers subtropical climate |
Cypress in landscape design
Cypress tolerates urban conditions and grows in shade and partial shade. In hot weather, its growth slows down. The tree is sensitive to moisture deficiency in the soil and air, so before planting, consider an irrigation system. Cypress is suitable for decorating recreation areas of country houses, sanatoriums, recreation centers, and parks.
Cypress needles are highly decorative. The color depends on the variety; it ranges from light green to deep dark. Plants with golden and bluish-smoky needles are especially valued.
Due to its high winter hardiness and unpretentiousness, cypress is successfully grown in the middle zone. Depending on the variety, trees have different sizes. Tall hybrids are more often used in single plantings. Primroses and perennial herbs grow well under them.
Cypress is used for single and group plantings. A gap of 1 to 2.5 m is maintained between plants. Trees are suitable for creating a hedge, then a gap of 0.5–1 m is maintained between them.
Lawson cypress and pea fruit are grown indoors.Plants are planted in small containers and pots. They are placed on windows or verandas on the north side. To prevent the tree from growing, it is grown using the bonsai technique.
Types and varieties of cypress
The Cypress genus includes 7 species. All of them grow in the subtropical zones of Asia and North America. They are also cultivated in warm temperate climates. All varieties are frost-resistant.
Lawson's cypress
The species is named after the Swedish botanist P. Lawson, who became its discoverer. Lawson cypress wood is valued for its light weight, pleasant aroma and resistance to rotting. It is used in furniture production, as well as for the production of plywood, sleepers, and finishing materials. In recent years, the distribution area of this species has decreased significantly due to massive logging.
Lawson's cypress is a tree up to 50–60 m high. The trunk is straight, the girth reaches 2 m. The crown is pyramidal in shape, the top is drooping, curved. The species is resistant to diseases and pests. In spring it is susceptible to sunburn. Prefers sandy, moist soils. It is recommended to plant it in the European part of Russia to create hedges.
Varieties of Lawson cypress trees with names, photos and descriptions:
- Aurea. The tree is cone-shaped and has medium vigor. Reaches a height of 2 m. The branches are dense and green. Young growths are beige in color.
- Fletchery. Columnar-shaped tree. In 5 years, the variety reaches a height of 1 m. The shoots are raised, greenish-blue, with needles and scales. Prefers fertile soils and lighted places.
- Alumigold. Compact cone-shaped variety. The tree grows quickly, reaching 1.5 m in 5 years. The shoots are straight, young shoots are yellow, and over time they become bluish-gray.The variety is unpretentious to soil quality and humidity.
Cypress blunt-leaved
In nature, the blunt-leaved cypress grows in Japan and on the island of Taiwan. It is planted next to temples and monasteries. The species has a wide conical crown. The tree grows up to 40 m, the trunk diameter is up to 2 m. Decorative properties are preserved throughout the year. Frost resistance is above average; after a harsh winter it can freeze slightly. The decorative effect lasts all year round. Does not tolerate urban conditions well, grows better in forested areas.
Varieties of blunt-leaved cypress:
- Coralliformis. Dwarf variety with a pyramidal crown. In 10 years it grows up to 70 cm. The branches are strong, dark green, twisted, reminiscent of corals. The variety prefers fertile soil with high humidity.
- Tatsumi Gold. The variety grows slowly, has a spherical, flat, openwork shape. The shoots are powerful, strong, twisted, greenish-golden in color. Demanding on soil moisture and fertility.
- Dras. An original variety with a narrow-conical crown. Grows up to 1 m in 5 years. The needles are green-gray, the shoots are straight and thick. Suitable for Japanese gardens and small areas.
Cypress pea
Under natural conditions, the species grows in Japan at an altitude of 500 m. The Japanese consider the cypress to be the habitat of the gods. The tree has a wide pyramidal shape. It reaches a height of 50 m. The crown is openwork with horizontal shoots. The bark is brown-red, smooth. Prefers moist soil and air, as well as sunny areas protected from the wind.
Popular varieties of pea cypress:
- Sangold. A dwarf variety with a hemispherical crown.In 5 years it reaches a height of 25 cm. The shoots are drooping and thin. The needles are green-yellow or golden. The requirements for soil quality are moderate. Grows well in sunny and rocky areas.
- Filifera. A slow-growing variety up to 2.5 m high. The crown is spreading, in the shape of a wide cone. The branches are thin, long, thread-like at the ends. The needles are dark green with scales. The variety is demanding on soil quality and moisture.
- Squarrosa. The variety grows slowly, reaching a height of 60 cm in 5 years. With age, it takes the form of a small tree. The crown is wide, conical in shape. The needles are soft, gray-blue in color. Grows best in fertile, moist soil.
Thuja cypress
The species was brought to Europe from North America. In nature, it is found in damp, marshy areas. The wood is durable and has a pleasant smell. It is used to make furniture, ships, and carpentry.
The tree has a narrow cone-shaped crown and brown bark. It reaches a height of 25 m. The unusual shape of the crown, bright color and cones give the plant its decorative qualities. Dwarf varieties are grown in containers. The species prefers sandy or peaty soils with high humidity. It develops worst in dry clay soil. Planting in shady places is allowed.
The main varieties of Thuja cypress:
- Konika. A dwarf variety with a skittle-shaped crown. The tree is growing slowly. The shoots are straight, the needles are awl-shaped and curve downwards.
- endelaiensis. A dwarf plant, reaching a height of no more than 2.5 m. The shoots are short, straight, and densely spaced. The needles are green with a bluish tint.
- Red Star. A hybrid 2 m high and 1.5 m wide. The crown is dense and compact, in the shape of a pyramid or column.The color of the needles changes depending on the time of year. In spring and summer it is greenish-blue, with the onset of cold weather violet shades appear. Grows well in the sun and can tolerate light partial shade.
Formosan cypress
The species grows in mountainous areas on the island of Taiwan. The trees reach a height of 65 m, the girth of the trunk is 6.5 m. The needles are green in color with a blue tint. Some specimens live more than 2500 years.
The wood is durable, not susceptible to attack by insects, and emits a pleasant aroma. It is used for the construction of temples and residential buildings. An essential oil with a relaxing aroma is obtained from this species.
The Formosan species is characterized by poor winter hardiness. It is grown at home or in greenhouses.
Cypress varieties for the Moscow region
Cypress is successfully grown in the Moscow region. The tree is planted in partial shade or in a sunny area. Fertile loamy or sandy loam soil is prepared for the plant. Work is carried out in the fall before the onset of cold weather or in the spring after the snow melts.
For successful cultivation, the plant is provided with care. It is watered regularly, especially during drought. The needles are sprayed every week. Mulching the soil with peat or wood chips helps prevent moisture evaporation. Until mid-summer, the tree is fed 2 times a month with complex fertilizer for coniferous trees. Dry, broken and frozen shoots are pruned.
Photos, types and varieties of cypress for the Moscow region:
- Lawson cypress variety Yvonne. Variety with a conical crown. In 5 years it reaches a height of 180 cm. The needles are golden in color, which persists in winter.Grows in moist, humus soils. The needles are scaly, yellow in the sun, and green when this variety is grown in the shade. The color lasts throughout the winter. The intensity of color depends on the moisture and fertility of the soil.
- Lawson cypress variety Columnaris. A fast-growing tree in the form of a tall column. At the age of 10 years, the variety reaches 3-4 m. The branches grow in a vertical direction. The needles are gray-blue. The variety is unpretentious to soil and weather conditions, and can grow in polluted areas. It is characterized by high winter hardiness.
- Lawson cypress variety Elwoodi. A slow-growing tree with a columnar crown. In 10 years it reaches a height of 1–1.5 m. The needles are thin, rich blue in color. The shoots are erect. The variety is unpretentious in soil, but requires constant watering. Ideal for small gardens, in winter it can be used instead of a Christmas tree.
- Lawson cypress variety Romana. Hybrid with a narrow ovoid crown. The apex has pronounced feathers. It develops slowly, reaching 50 cm in 5 years. The shoots are erect and densely spaced. The color is bright, golden yellow, and lasts through the winter. The tree is characterized by increased winter hardiness and is undemanding to watering and soil quality. Suitable for creating bright landscape compositions and solitary plantings.
- Pea variety Boulevard. Cypress will grow slowly and form a narrow conical crown. In 5 years it grows up to 1 m. The needles are soft, do not prick, and have a bluish-silver color. The tree is grown in open areas.
- Pea variety Filifera Aurea. Shrub with a conical wide crown. It reaches a height of 1.5 m. The branches are hanging, rope-like. The needles are yellow.The variety is unpretentious and grows in any soil.
Conclusion
The considered photos, types and varieties of cypress will help you choose the appropriate option for your garden. The plant is unpretentious and resistant to frost. It is used for single plantings, hedges and more complex compositions. The variety is selected taking into account the weather conditions of the region, soil and place for cultivation.
