cupressus totem hybrid

Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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The Cupressus totem hybrid is prized by New Zealand gardeners seeking a fast-growing, architectural evergreen for narrow spaces and modern landscapes. Also known as Cupressus 'Totem' or Totem Cypress, this elegant conifer is renowned for its tight, upright form and lush, mid-green foliage. If you're looking to add year-round vertical structure to your garden, the Cupressus totem hybrid is one of the best options for hedging, screening, formal planting, or accent specimens.

Cupressus Totem

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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.

Buy Cupressus Totem

From $343.89

Cupressus 'Totem' (Totem Cypress) trees in a garden.

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

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Features of Cupressus totem hybrid

The Cupressus totem hybrid is a moderate to fast-growing conifer with a columnar habit. It reaches around 3 to 5 metres tall and just 1 to 1.5 metres wide in 10 years, making it ideal for narrow areas along driveways, pathways, or property boundaries. New foliage flushes a vibrant green, maturing to a denser, deeper hue, giving gardens lasting colour through every season. Totem Cypress also produces a signature cypress aroma when brushed.

Unlike traditional Leyland cypress, the Cupressus totem hybrid remains controlled without constant pruning. It is drought-tolerant once established and shrugs off most pests and diseases common to New Zealand conditions.

Ideal Uses in the Garden

The slim profile and refined texture of the Cupressus totem hybrid make it exceptionally versatile. Plant it as a statement specimen for a bold architectural look, or repeat in a row for an instant formal hedge or living screen. It is perfect for adding privacy without taking up much space, while also serving as an attractive evergreen backdrop for seasonal shrubs and perennials. Totem Cypress is also popular for flanking entrances, aligning driveways, or creating a dramatic avenue.

If you love the look of columnar conifers, you might also consider Cupressus sempervirens Stricta (Pencil Cypress), which offers a similar shape with a classic Mediterranean feel, or the lush green Cupressus Green Spire for a broader appearance.

Planting and Care

Plant your Cupressus totem hybrid in well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. It is tolerant of a range of soil conditions and coastal winds, making it a solid choice for exposed New Zealand sites. Mulch well at planting and water regularly until roots are established. Once mature, this totem cypress requires minimal care—an occasional light trim helps maintain a neat silhouette if desired.

For a slightly different look or colour, explore related conifers such as the steel-blue Cupressus Blue Ice (Blue Arizona Cypress), the slender Cupressus Ovensii, or other favourites like Cupressus Gracilis (Italian Spruce).

Create a Distinctive Garden with Totem Cypress

Whether you're designing a modern city courtyard, shielding your property for privacy, or creating a formal avenue, the Cupressus totem hybrid delivers impact and adaptability with minimal fuss. Its evergreen elegance suits many Kiwi landscapes, pairing beautifully with textural contrast from conifers like Abies forrestii (Silver Fir), Abies concolor (Concolor Fir), or low-maintenance structural options such as Juniperus communis Hibernica and Cryptomeria japonica (Japanese Cedar).

Introduce Cupressus totem hybrid to your garden and enjoy easy-care beauty and a truly timeless, upright effect year-round.

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.