A sophisticated Conifer resembling a pencil! Tall and Narrow growth habit. Perfect for formal gardens and contemporary landscapes

Product Overview

Cupressus sempervirens Glauca is a premium cultivar of the iconic Italian Cypress, renowned amongst landscape designers and gardeners for its elegant columnar narrow form and striking blue-green glaucous foliage.

This Mediterranean native offers a refined architectural element that adds vertical interest, structure, and Mediterranean sophistication to any garden design.

The Glauca variety is the best variety to choose for it's compact growth habit and holds its form well, combined with its naturally narrow, pencil-like silhouette, Cupressus sempervirens Glauca is an exceptional choice for contemporary landscapes, formal gardens, Mediterranean gardens across temperate and warm Australian regions.

Why You'll Love It

Glaucous Foliage: Unique silvery blue-grey coating distinguishes this cultivar from standard green Italian Cypress varieties
Columnar Form: Naturally narrow, vertical growth habit requires minimal pruning to maintain it's elegant silhouette
Architectural Appeal: Creates dramatic vertical lines and contemporary garden structure
Aromatic Foliage: Releases distinctive pleasant fragrance when foliage is handled or brushed
Mediterranean Character: Evokes classical Mediterranean garden aesthetics with modern sophistication
Long-Lived Conifer: Durable, long-living specimen that improves with age
Evergreen: Maintains foliage year-round

Botanical Information

Family: Cupressaceae

Cultivar: 'Glauca'

Common Names: Italian Cypress, Mediterranean Cypress, Blue-Grey Italian Cypress, Glaucous Italian Cypress

Origin: Mediterranean Basin, particularly southern Europe and western Asia

Growth Habit: Strictly columnar; very narrow, just like a pencil!

Foliage: Fine, scale-like leaves with distinctive blue-green glaucous coating; aromatic when brushed

Growing Guide

Climate & Hardiness: Prefers warm, temperate to Mediterranean climates. Best suited to Australian regions with mild winters and warm, dry summers. Tolerates occasional light frosts, protect from heavy frost.

Light Requirements: Full sun essential. Minimum 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth, form, and glaucous foliage colour.

Soil Requirements: Well-draining, free-draining soil is critical. Cupressus sempervirens Glauca is particularly intolerant of waterlogging and heavy clay soils. Ideal soil conditions include sandy loam or gravelly soils, pH neutral to slightly alkaline and excellent drainage—root rot will occur in poorly drained conditions.

Water Management: Drought tolerant once established. Water deeply and infrequently during the establishment phase (first 12–18 months). Once mature, minimal supplementary watering required except during extended dry periods. Avoid overhead watering and waterlogging at all costs—the most common cause of plant failure is excessive moisture.

Wind Tolerance: Moderate tolerance to coastal and wind-exposed positions. In extreme wind zones, provide light structural support when young to establish strong form.

Pest & Disease Management: Generally very robust. Occasional issues include spider mites in hot, dry conditions (manage with water spray), scale insects (treat with horticultural oil if necessary), and cypress canker (fungal) in very wet conditions—prevent through excellent drainage and avoiding overhead watering.

Pruning & Maintenance: No maintenance or pruning necessary! Lightly prune if required for shape and width. Do not cut into old brown wood as it will not reshoot. Remove any dead or diseased foliage promptly. Never prune during wet conditions when fungal disease risk is elevated.

Spacing: For screening plant these every 80cm apart or further apart to suit the look you wish to achieve.