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cupressus species

Cupressus species offer New Zealand gardeners a fascinating array of evergreen conifers that bring structure, texture, and year-round colour to gardens both large and small. With their striking foliage, elegant forms, and resilience, Cupressus species are valued for hedging, windbreaks, privacy screens, and focal points in landscape design. Whether you are searching for fast-growing options for shelter or seeking refined ornamental forms for borders and specimens, our selection of Cupressus species can meet your unique gardening needs.

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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
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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 which is held tightly on upright branches as it grows to 5 m tall and 90 cm wide. Cupressus Green Spire is a great plant for bringing height and depth to plantings and it often planted in a series or as pillars at an entranceway.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Conifers
Height: 5.00 m
Spread: 90 cm
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern
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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...

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
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
Hoheria populnea green foliage with white flowers.
Hoheria populnea

Hoheria populnea, commonly known as New Zealand Lacebark, is a graceful native tree admired for its beauty and resilience. It produces masses of...

From$19.25
Juncus pallidus (Giant Rush) plants in a landscaped garden.
Juncus pallidus (Giant Rush)

Juncus pallidus, commonly known as the Giant Rush, features erect, dark green leaves and grows as a tidy clump, reaching approximately 75 cm in...

From$16.49
Libertia paniculata plant with white flowers.
Libertia paniculata (Grass Flag)

Libertia paniculata is an elegant evergreen perennial admired for its fine, upright foliage and delicate white flowers that appear in airy clusters...

From$16.50
Typha orientalis (Raupo) plants with brown seed heads.
Typha orientalis (Raupō)

Typha orientalis, commonly known as Raupo, is a vigorous and erect, NZ native grass. It is found throughout New Zealand in shallow, fertile waters...

From$14.84
Hoheria angustifolia green foliage with masses of white flowers.
Hoheria angustifolia

Hoheria angustifolia, commonly known as Houhere or Narrow leaved Lacebark, is a fast growing New Zealand native tree admired for its graceful form...

From$19.25
Juncus maritimus (Sea Rush) plants growing in saline water.
Juncus maritimus (Sea Rush)

Juncus maritimus, commonly known as Sea Rush, is a species of rush that prevails in coastal areas. It has long and rigid leaves that are lime-green...

From$16.49
Sophora microphylla specimen tree covered in yellow flowers.
Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai)

Sophora microphylla, commonly known as Weeping Kowhai, is a treasured New Zealand native tree admired for its graceful, drooping branches and masses...

From$28.91
A Kikuyu grass lawn bordered by a garden.
Pure Kikuyu Seed

Kikuyu grass is suited to warmer regions and coastal areas where hot and humid summers are less well suited to other turf species. The variety of...

From$71.40
Hedycarya arborea tree with lush green foliage.
Hedycarya arborea

Hedycarya arborea, commonly known as Pigeonwood, is a New Zealand native tree valued for its attractive foliage and wildlife benefits. This evergreen...

From$494.05
Sophora longicarinata yellow flowers.
Sophora longicarinata (Limestone Kowhai)

Sophora longicarinata is a rare and beautiful NZ native tree belonging to the kowhai family. This evergreen to semi deciduous species is admired for...

From$323.65
fraxinus-ornus-2
Fraxinus ornus

Fraxinus ornus (Flowering Ash) is an elegant deciduous tree admired for its fragrant creamy white flower clusters that appear in late spring and...

From$387.55
A large Prumnopitys ferruginea (Miro Tree) with lush, green foliage.
Prumnopitys ferruginea

Prumnopitys ferruginea, commonly known as Miro, is a majestic New Zealand native tree belonging to the Podocarp family. This long lived evergreen...

From$408.85
A Metrosideros robusta (Northern Rata) tree in full flower in a native reserve.
Metrosideros robusta

Metrosideros robusta, commonly known as Northern Rata, is a majestic New Zealand native tree renowned for its brilliant red flowers and large...

From$323.65
Pittosporum eugenioides tree with lush, dark green foliage and cream-coloured flowers.
Pittosporum eugenioides (Tarata)

Pittosporum eugenioides, commonly known as Tarata or Lemonwood, is a fast-growing native New Zealand tree valued for its glossy green leaves and...

From$15.04
Griselinia lucida hedge with lush and large, green foliage.
Griselinia lucida

Griselinia lucida, commonly known as Akapuka, is a striking New Zealand native shrub or small tree characterized by its large, leathery, and glossy...

From$12.95
Laurelia novae-zelandiae

Laurelia novae-zelandiae, commonly known as Pukatea, is a magnificent NZ native tree admired for its glossy green leaves, fluted trunk, and...

From$589.90
Pittosporum 'Limelight' variegated foliage.
Pittosporum 'Limelight' (Kohuhu)

Pittosporum 'Limelight' is a NZ native shrub that features dark green leaves with a lime green centre, held densely on upright stems. This evergreen...

From$206.50
Ribes rubrum red berries on a shrub.
Ribes rubrum

Ribes rubrum is a productive red currant species valued for its bright, tangy berries and reliable performance in NZ gardens. It forms a tidy shrub...

From$30.29
Phyllocladus trichomanoides lush green foliage.
Phyllocladus trichomanoides (Celery Pine)

Phyllocladus trichomanoides, commonly called Celery Pine, is a striking New Zealand native tree valued for its unique, celery like foliage and tall...

From$515.35
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...

OUT OF STOCK
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...

OUT OF STOCK
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Cupressus Stapehill

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

OUT OF STOCK
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Cupressus torulosa (Himalayan Cypress)

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

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

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Cupressus, Hoheria, and Juncus, or related Categories - Conifer Shrubs, Conifer Trees, and Grasses.

Search cupressus species

Varieties of Cupressus Species

The genus Cupressus includes several distinctive species and cultivars, each offering unique benefits for New Zealand gardens. If you are looking for a dependable groundcover conifer, Cupressus Greenstead Magnificent is an excellent choice—low-growing, with sculptural blue-green foliage, well-suited for edging and covering embankments. For those seeking a handsome columnar tree, Cupressus torulosa, commonly known as Himalayan Cypress, is prized for its slender form and ability to tolerate coastal and wind-exposed sites.

Another popular Cupressus species for New Zealand is Cupressus lusitanica Mangamahoe, which excels as a fast-growing hedge or shelterbelt. It is admired for its aromatic, feathery foliage and adaptability to a range of climates. In urban and rural gardens alike, wind-resistant Cupressus species such as Cupressus leylandii and the exceptional Cupressus leylandii Ferndown make outstanding privacy screens, thanks to their vigorous growth and dense habit.

Uses of Cupressus Species in New Zealand Gardens

Cupressus species are highly valued for their versatility. Many gardeners use Cupressus species as formal hedges, informal windbreaks, or shelter planting for livestock and crops. Their fast-growing nature means you can establish a mature screen or boundary in just a few seasons. The elegant, fine-textured foliage also makes Cupressus species well suited to specimen planting, adding architectural interest to driveways and garden entrances.

Some species in the Cupressus genus, like Cupressus Greenstead Magnificent, are specifically bred for groundcover applications, covering bare spaces and reducing soil erosion. Others, such as Cupressus torulosa, are ideal for landscape accents or mixed conifer plantings.

Growing and Caring for Cupressus Species

Cupressus species generally prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They tolerate a range of soil types, including clay and sand, making them versatile for New Zealand conditions. Once established, they are drought-tolerant and resistant to most pests and diseases. For best results, plant Cupressus species with enough spacing for their mature size and consider regular formative pruning to encourage dense growth, especially if you are planting them as a hedge.

Explore Our Selection of Cupressus Species

If you are searching for the perfect Cupressus specimen or screening plant, browse our expert-curated selection. Whether your garden needs a fast-growing shelterbelt such as Cupressus leylandii Ferndown, a formal hedge like Cupressus leylandii, or a unique ornamental such as Cupressus lusitanica Mangamahoe, Cupressus species will add lasting beauty and structure to your landscape.


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