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chinese cypress tree

The Chinese cypress tree is a timeless favourite for gardeners and landscape designers in New Zealand, cherished for its elegant, pyramidal shape, aromatic foliage, and impressive resilience. This coniferous tree, often associated with the genus Cupressus, offers a unique blend of beauty and durability—making it a standout choice for shelterbelts, specimen plantings, or privacy screens. With its lush green needles and attractive bark, the Chinese cypress tree brings year-round texture and colour to gardens, parks, and rural properties. Whether you are looking to create a low-maintenance backdrop or a striking focal point, the Chinese cypress tree could be the perfect addition to your outdoor space.

podocarpus-macrophyllus-maki-1

Podocarpus Maki (Fern Pine)

Podocarpus macrophyllus Maki, commonly known as Shrubby Yew Tree, Chinese Podocarpus, or Shrubby Podocarpus, produces dense, dark green leaves, with new foliage emerging lime green. It grows slowly with a columnar shape to about 3 m tall and 2 m wide, and can be trimmed as necessary. Podocarpus Maki is commonly included in a mixed planting, trimmed into a hedge, maintained in a container, used for topiary and bonsai, included in pool and Japanese gardens, or planted to border an entrance.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Patios, Pool areas, Screening, Topiary
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern
taxodium-cascade-falls-

Taxodium distichum Cascade Falls

Taxodium distichum Cascade Falls is a variety of the commonly known, Swamp Cypress, and is a fabulous weeping tree that will tolerate heavy soils. The rich green foliage hangs from pendulous branches on this deciduous conifer. The tree is further accentuated with yellow autumn colours before the leaves fall. It grows with a somewhat rounded shape to about 4 m tall and 3 m wide. Taxodium distichum Cascade Falls is a great tree for planting in wetter areas of a garden and for planting around water features such as ponds. It makes for a great specimen and is well suited to including in a mixed planting.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 4.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Tolerances: Hardy, Wet
Garden uses: Living areas, Parks, Ponds, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Riparian
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Cupressus 'Blue Ice' (Blue Arizona Cypress)

Cupressus 'Blue Ice' is a striking evergreen conifer admired for its vibrant icy blue foliage and strong upright growth habit. This hardy tree...

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Cupressus ovensii

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Nyssa sinensis (Chinese Tupelo)

Commonly known as Chinese Tupelo, this is a handsome, deciduous tree grown for its fantastic form and striking autumn colours. Leaves emerge a fresh...

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Taxodium distichum (Bald Cypress)

Taxodium distichum (Swamp Cypress) is a magnificent deciduous conifer admired for its soft feathery foliage, strong upright form, and spectacular...

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Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese Elm)

Ulmus parvifolia, commonly known as the Chinese Elm, China Elm, or the Chinese Lacebark Elm Tree, is grown for its stature and colourful foliage. The...

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Quercus robur 'Fastigiata', commonly known as the English Columnar Oak or Cypress Oak, is a deciduous tree with lovely foliage and great form. This...

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Cupressus sempervirens 'Stricta' (Pencil Cypress)

Cupressus sempervirens 'Stricta' is a tall narrow evergreen conifer admired for its dense upright form and rich dark green foliage. This classic...

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Abutilon Yellow (Chinese Lantern Hot Pink)

Abutilon 'Yellow' is a cheerful flowering shrub prized for its bright yellow bell shaped flowers and long blooming season. The colourful blooms hang...

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Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King (Rowan Tree NZ)

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King is a variety of the commonly known, Mountain Ash, and is a small-sized, deciduous with impressive characteristics...

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Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach, commonly known as Bead Tree, White Cedar or Persian Lilac, is a fast-growing deciduous tree admired for its feathery foliage and...

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Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree)

Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree) is a spectacular deciduous tree prized for its striking flushes of vibrant pink foliage that mature through...

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Magnolia Margaret Helen (Magnolia Tree Margaret Helen)

Magnolia Margaret Helen is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, rose-pink flowers through late winter and early spring. These are...

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Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' trees with yellow foliage in autumn.
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' (Tulip Tree)

Liriodendron tulipifera fastigiata, also known as the Upright Tulip Tree, is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its narrow, columnar form. It...

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Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu) tree juvenile foliage.
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree)

Dacrydium cupressinum, commonly known as Rimu or Red Pine, is an iconic and slow-growing tree. The juvenile form features drooping branches densely...

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Trachycarpus fortunei (Chinese Windmill Palm)

Trachycarpus fortunei, commonly known as the Windmill Palm, is a hardy, evergreen palm ideal for New Zealand gardens. It features a tall, slender...

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Magnolia liliiflora Nigra (Magnolia Tree Nigra)

Magnolia liliiflora Nigra, commonly known as Black Lily, is a stunning tree that bears masses of large and showy, purple flowers from late winter...

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Tabebuia rosea

Tabebuia rosea, commonly known as Pink Poui or Rosy Trumpet Tree, is a large tree grown for its amazing flowers. Showy clusters of pink flowers coat...

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Tree Fertiliser (Tree Fertiliser)

Using tree fertiliser results in plants having better quality foliage, more profuse flowering, stronger stems, and a much healthier and brighter...

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Magnolia Strawberry Fields (Strawberry Fields Magnolia Tree)

Magnolia Strawberry Fields is a stunning deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, semi-double, deep red flowers through late winter and...

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Magnolia Deryk (Magnolia Tree Deryk)

Magnolia Deryk is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, dark red-purple flowers from late winter until early spring. The flowers are...

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Acer platanoides Princeton Gold (Princeton Gold Maple Tree)

Acer platanoides Princeton Gold is a variety of the commonly known, Plane-Leaved Maple, and is a medium sized tree with fantastic foliage. The leaves...

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Ulmus Lobel (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus Lobel is a variety of Dutch Elm tree grown for its colourful foliage and narrow form. The leaves emerge a fresh green colour in spring, age to...

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Jute Tree Tie

The Jute Tree Tie is non-abrasive and very popular because it wont cause tree damage. The 50 mm wide fabric is heavy duty and designed to support...

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A large Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa tree).
Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa Tree)

Beilschmiedia tawa, commonly known as the Tawa Tree, is a tall and graceful evergreen native to New Zealand. It is admired for its straight trunk...

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Fruit Tree Fertiliser (Fruit Tree Fertiliser)

Fruiting plants respond well to fruit tree fertiliser with better quality produce, higher yields, and a much healthier and brighter looking plant...

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Tree Guards (Tree Guards)

Our tree guards and plant shelters are bio-degradable products that are perfect for using in riparian areas and other exposed positions. They are...

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Cloth Tree Tie

These soft ties are used for trees, tomatoes, and other plants you wish to keep securely fastened without causing any damage to the plant. Each roll...

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Palm Tree Fertiliser (Palm Tree Fertiliser)

Choosing the correct Palm tree fertiliser is essential for producing better quality foliage, stronger fronds, and a much healthier and brighter...

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Taxodium McLaren Falls (Swamp Cypress)

Taxodium Mclaren Falls is a variety of the commonly known, Swamp Cypress, and is a fabulous weeping tree that will tolerate heavy soils. The rich...

OUT OF STOCK
chamaecyparis-lawsoniana--2
Chamaecyparis lawsoniana (Lawson Cypress)

Commonly known as the Lawson Cypress, this is a large conifer with an upright growth habit. The foliage is feathery, somewhat loosely held, and...

OUT OF STOCK
Podocarpus Maki (Fern Pine)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Abutilon, Cupressus, and Nyssa, or related Categories - Conifer Shrubs, Conifer Trees, and Deciduous Conifers.

Search chinese cypress tree

Features and Benefits of Chinese Cypress Tree

The Chinese cypress tree is prized for its fast growth rate and ability to adapt to various soil types, including clay and sandy loam. It thrives in both full sun and partial shade, making it suitable for a wide range of garden conditions. Its foliage is not only visually appealing but also emits a subtle fragrance that enhances the sensory experience of your garden. As an evergreen, the Chinese cypress tree maintains its vibrant colour throughout the year, offering consistent interest even during winter when many other plants lose their leaves. Additionally, Chinese cypress trees are known for their resistance to pests and diseases, making them a reliable, low-maintenance option for homeowners and landscapers alike.

Landscaping Uses

The versatility of the Chinese cypress tree is one of its greatest assets. They are commonly used to form windbreaks and shelterbelts, protecting gardens and homes from New Zealand’s strong coastal winds. Their upright form and dense foliage make them ideal for privacy hedges and screening. You may also choose to plant a Chinese cypress tree as a bold, solitary specimen to highlight pathways or garden entrances. Their attractive silhouette and texture complement a variety of landscape styles—from formal gardens to naturalistic plantings.

If you are seeking other conifers for your garden, consider pairing the Chinese cypress tree with Chamaecyparis lawsoniana (Lawson Cypress) for a contrasting shape and colour, or explore the delicate needles of Taxodium distichum (Bald Cypress). For cascading effects near water features, Taxodium distichum Cascade Falls is a popular choice.

Planting and Care

Planting a Chinese cypress tree is straightforward. Choose a sunny or lightly shaded location with well-drained soil, dig a generous hole, and water thoroughly during the establishment period. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and suppresses weeds. Once established, Chinese cypress trees require minimal intervention; occasional pruning can help shape and maintain their growth.

Gardeners interested in expanding their collection of hardy, evergreen trees might consider Taxodium McLaren Falls (Swamp Cypress), a robust conifer thriving in wet soil, or the upright and elegant Podocarpus Maki (Fern Pine) for a layered effect.

Explore Our Selection

The Chinese cypress tree continues to be a top pick for those seeking beauty, resilience, and versatility in their landscapes. If you’re inspired to enhance your garden with conifers or evergreen trees, browse our range and discover the perfect fit for your project. With expert advice and quality plants, we’re here to help you create a thriving, picturesque New Zealand garden.


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Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Corokia 'Frosted Chocolate' and Gardenia 'Veitchii' are tried and true, but new favourites like Hosta 'Dew Drop', Magnolia Deryk (Magnolia Tree Deryk), and Peperomia Jade are just waiting to be discovered.
–The Plant Company

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