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cupressus lusitanica

Cupressus lusitanica, commonly known as Mexican cypress, is one of New Zealand’s most versatile and attractive conifer species. Highly regarded for its graceful, feathery foliage and elegant columnar form, Cupressus lusitanica is a favourite among gardeners, landscapers, and shelterbelt planners. Whether you’re looking for a fast-growing privacy screen, a windbreak solution, or a striking specimen tree, Cupressus lusitanica offers year-round appeal and hardy performance across a variety of sites. At our nursery, we grow premium Cupressus lusitanica plants suited for local conditions, ensuring you get the best results for your garden, lifestyle block, or commercial property.

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Cupressus sempervirens 'Stricta' (Pencil Cypress)

5 from 2 customers

Cupressus sempervirens 'Stricta' is a tall narrow evergreen conifer admired for its dense upright form and rich dark green foliage. This classic architectural tree provides year round structure, privacy, and formality in NZ landscapes while also creating a striking vertical feature in modern and Mediterranean inspired gardens. Its naturally columnar shape makes it ideal for avenue planting, screening, entranceways, and feature planting where strong structure and low maintenance performance are desired. Cupressus sempervirens 'Stricta' is highly valued for its elegant appearance, resilience, and year round landscape appeal.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Conifers
Height: 20.00 m
Spread: 75 cm
Tolerances: Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Hedging, Parks, Screening, Specimen, Topiary
Garden styles: Architectural, Formal, Mediterranean, Modern
Cupressus 'Totem' (Totem Cypress) trees in a garden.

Cupressus 'Totem'

5 from 2 customers

Cupressus 'Totem', otherwise known as the Totem Cypress, is a conifer valued for its slender, upright habit that brings an architectural effect. It carries delicate, fresh-green foliage which is held tightly on upright branches as it grows to 4 m tall and 1 m wide. Cupressus 'Totem' is an excellent plant for bringing height and depth to plantings, and it is often planted in a series or as pillars at an entranceway.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Conifers
Height: 4.00 m
Spread: 1.00 m
Tolerances: Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Hedging, Parks, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Mediterranean, Modern
Cupressus 'Totem' (Totem Cypress) trees in a garden.
Cupressus 'Totem'

Cupressus 'Totem', otherwise known as the Totem Cypress, is a conifer valued for its slender, upright habit that brings an architectural effect. It...

From$37.19
cupressus-blue-ice-4
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...

From$82.92
cupressus-ovensii-3
Cupressus ovensii

Cupressus ovensii (Ovens Cypress) is a hardy evergreen conifer admired for its fine textured foliage and dense upright growth habit. This resilient...

From$270.40
cupressus-gracilis-1
Cupressus 'Gracilis'

Cupressus 'Gracilis' (Italian Spruce) is a tall narrow evergreen conifer admired for its elegant upright growth habit and dense dark green foliage...

From$270.40
Portuguese Laurel (Prunus lusitanica) standard trees bordering a driveway.
Prunus lusitanica

Prunus lusitanica, commonly known as the Portuguese Laurel, is a large shrub that is widely grown across the world. It features dark red stems that...

From$38.57
cupressus-sky-tower-
Cupressus Sky Tower

Cupressus Sky Tower, commonly known as the Tuscan Cypress is valued for its slender, upright habit that brings an architectural effect. It carries...

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cupressus-ferndown-
Cupressus leylandii Ferndown

Cupressus leylandii Ferndown is a fast-growing and features feathery, light green leaves which are held densely on somewhat pendulous branches. It...

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cupressus-green-spire-2
Cupressus Green Spire

Cupressus Green Spire is a conifer valued for its slender, upright habit that brings an architectural effect. It carries fine, dark -green foliage...

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Cupressus Golden Pyramid tree with yellow foliage.
Cupressus Golden Pyramid

Cupressus 'Golden Pyramid' is a striking evergreen conifer valued for its brilliant golden foliage and naturally narrow pyramidal form. It provides...

OUT OF STOCK
cupressus-torulosa--2
Cupressus torulosa (Himalayan Cypress)

Cupressus torulosa (Himalayan Cypress) is a graceful evergreen conifer admired for its elegant pendulous branches, rich green foliage, and impressive...

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cupressus-stapehill-
Cupressus Stapehill

Cupressus Stapehill is a fast-growing conifer featuring feathery, light green leaves which are held densely on somewhat pendulous branches. It grows...

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Cupressus Lemon Spire small trees.
Cupressus 'Lemon Spire'

Cupressus ‘Lemon Spire’ is a striking evergreen conifer known for its narrow, columnar form and vibrant golden-yellow foliage. Its dense, upright...

OUT OF STOCK
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Cupressus sempervirens (Pencil Cypress)

Cupressus sempervirens (Italian Cypress) is a tall narrow evergreen conifer admired for its elegant upright form and dense dark green foliage. This...

OUT OF STOCK
Cupressus Greenstead Magnificent ground cover plant with grey-green foliage.
Cupressus Greenstead Magnificent

Cupressus 'Greenstead Magnificent' is a handsome evergreen conifer valued for its dense rich green foliage and naturally upright form. It provides...

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cupressus-gigantea-1
Cupressus gigantea

Cupressus gigantea, commonly known as Tibetan Cypress, is grown for its impressive stature and colourful foliage. Blue-grey foliage is held densely...

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Cupressus Limelight yellow-green foliage.
Cupressus Limelight

Cupressus 'Limelight' is a striking evergreen conifer admired for its bright lime green foliage and naturally dense upright habit. The vibrant colour...

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cupressus-glabra-
Cupressus glabra

Cupressus glabra (Smooth Arizona Cypress) is a striking evergreen conifer admired for its smooth bark and attractive blue grey foliage. This hardy...

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Cupressus macrocarpa 'Fine Gold' tree with yellow foliage.
Cupressus macrocarpa 'Fine Gold'

Cupressus macrocarpa 'Fine Gold' is a striking evergreen conifer admired for its vibrant golden foliage and naturally compact growth habit. This...

OUT OF STOCK
Cupressus macrocarpa aurea yellow foliage.
Cupressus macrocarpa 'Aurea'

Cupressus macrocarpa 'Aurea' is a striking evergreen conifer prized for its vibrant golden foliage and naturally dense growth. It provides year round...

OUT OF STOCK
Cupressus leylandii trees with green foliage.
Cupressus leylandii

Cupressus leylandii (Leyland Cypress) is a fast growing evergreen conifer renowned for its dense foliage, vigorous growth, and outstanding screening...

OUT OF STOCK
Cupressus macrocarpa brunniana aurea tree with yellow foliage.
Cupressus Brunniana Aurea

Cupressus 'Brunniana Aurea' is an elegant evergreen conifer prized for its bright golden foliage, dense pyramidal form, and year round colour. This...

OUT OF STOCK
Cupressus macrocarpa Golden Pillar tree with yellow foliage.
Cupressus macrocarpa 'Golden Pillar'

Cupressus macrocarpa 'Golden Pillar' is a striking evergreen conifer admired for its vibrant golden foliage and narrow upright growth habit. This...

OUT OF STOCK
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Cupressus sempervirens 'Swanes Gold'

Cupressus sempervirens 'Swanes Gold' is a striking evergreen conifer admired for its vibrant golden foliage and elegant upright growth habit. This...

OUT OF STOCK
Cupressus cashmeriana tree with olive-green, pendulous foliage.
Cupressus cashmeriana

Cupressus cashmeriana (Bhutan Cypress) is an elegant evergreen conifer valued for its soft blue green foliage and graceful weeping habit. Well suited...

OUT OF STOCK
Cupressus sempervirens 'Stricta' (Pencil Cypress)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Cupressus, and Prunus, or related Categories - Conifer Shrubs, Conifer Trees, and Evergreen Shrubs.

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Why Choose Cupressus lusitanica?

Cupressus lusitanica thrives in New Zealand gardens thanks to its quick growth rate, dense foliage, and adaptability. Its green, aromatic leaves form lush coverage, making it a top pick for hedges and shelterbelts, especially in windy locations. The tree tolerates a wide range of soils, from sandy to heavier clay, and is resistant to drought once established. Cupressus lusitanica is also less prone to disease compared to other conifers, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners seeking reliable, long-lived screens or wind protection.

Planting and Care Tips

When planting Cupressus lusitanica, choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil, and allow enough space for its mature size. Regular watering during the establishment phase is essential, but once the roots are set, the tree will flourish with minimal attention. Pruning Cupressus lusitanica annually helps maintain shape and density, especially when forming a hedge or shelterbelt. Mulching around the base conserves moisture and keeps weed competition down. With these simple care tips, your Cupressus lusitanica will provide years of beauty and functionality.

Popular Varieties and Alternatives

For those seeking specific cultivars, the Cupressus lusitanica Mangamahoe is a standout selection for robust growth and impressive foliage. If you’re exploring alternative cypress species, consider the stately Cupressus torulosa or the striking silvery-blue Cupressus Blue Ice (Blue Arizona Cypress), each offering unique qualities for the landscape. For a low-growing groundcover option, the decorative Cupressus Greenstead Magnificent is a superb addition. Those wanting an upright, architectural look will appreciate the slender Cupressus Sky Tower.

Where to Grow Cupressus lusitanica in New Zealand

Cupressus lusitanica excels in coastal, rural, and urban gardens across the country. It’s well-known for providing wind protection on exposed sites, sheltering livestock, and enhancing the privacy of residential properties. Its hardy nature allows it to withstand a range of climates and is particularly valued in regions with variable weather. With lush, year-round foliage and minimal maintenance requirements, Cupressus lusitanica is a dependable and rewarding choice for New Zealand gardeners.

Discover Cupressus lusitanica and other top-performing cypress species at our nursery—your local experts in conifers and garden solutions.


Contact us

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.

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