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false cypress tree

Discover the distinctive charm of the false cypress tree, a versatile evergreen prized by New Zealand gardeners for its ornamental foliage, impressive shape, and reliable hardiness. Whether you’re seeking an elegant specimen for your landscape or a unique plant for a privacy screen, the false cypress tree offers rich colour, texture, and year-round interest. False cypress trees are ideal for both urban and rural gardens, suiting a range of design styles from formal gardens to naturalistic plantings.

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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.

From $179.91

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
Quercus robur 'Fastigiata' specimen trees.

Quercus robur 'Fastigiata'

Quercus robur 'Fastigiata', commonly known as the English Columnar Oak or Cypress Oak, is a deciduous tree with lovely foliage and great form. This majestic beauty typically grows to 15 m tall and 5 m wide with a columnar-conical growth habit.

From $270.40

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 15.00 m
Spread: 5.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Avenues, Parks, Ponds, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Formal, Modern
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Taxodium distichum 'Cascade Falls'

Taxodium distichum 'Cascade Falls' is a graceful weeping form of Bald Cypress, admired for its cascading branches, soft feathery foliage, and...

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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

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

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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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Osmanthus heterophyllus

Osmanthus heterophyllus, commonly known as False Holly, is an evergreen shrub grown for its attractive foliage and pretty flowers. It produces spiny...

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Myoporum laetum (Ngaio) tree with lush foliage and white flowers growing in a coastal location.
Myoporum laetum (Ngaio)

Myoporum laetum, commonly known as Ngaio, is a NZ native tree grown for its lush foliage and showy flowers. It features large, fleshy, green leaves...

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A Parrotia persica 'Pendula' specimen tree with pendulous green foliage.
Parrotia persica pendula (Weeping Persian Ironwood)

Parrotia persica 'Pendula', commonly known as the Weeping Persian Ironwood, is a tree grown for its fantastic autumn colours and weeping growth...

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Schinus molle (Peruvian Peppercorn)

Schinus molle (California Pepper Tree) is an elegant evergreen tree admired for its graceful weeping branches, fine textured foliage, and attractive...

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Tree Guards

Tree Guards provide a simple and effective way to protect young trees from animals, wind, accidental damage, and herbicide spray. They create a...

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Metrosideros excelsa (Pohutukawa) specimen tree with masses of red flowers in a coastal location.
Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

Metrosideros excelsa, commonly known as Pōhutukawa or the New Zealand Christmas Tree, is a coastal evergreen renowned for its brilliant red flowers...

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Melia azedarach tree.
Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree, White Cedar) is a graceful deciduous tree valued for its attractive fern like foliage, fragrant clusters of lilac...

From$387.55
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Azara microphylla

Azara microphylla (Vanilla Tree) is a graceful evergreen tree admired for its small glossy leaves and wonderfully fragrant yellow flowers. In spring...

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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...

From$99.29
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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Tabebuia rosea tree with masses of pink flowers.
Tabebuia rosea (Pink Poui)

Tabebuia rosea is a spectacular flowering tree admired for its masses of soft pink trumpet shaped blooms that appear before the foliage in spring...

From$65.55
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Robinia 'Frisia'

Robinia 'Frisia' is a striking deciduous tree prized for its brilliant golden yellow foliage that provides vibrant colour from spring through autumn...

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Knightia excelsa (Rewarewa) specimen tree in a park.
Knightia excelsa

Knightia excelsa, commonly known as Rewarewa, is an impressive NZ native tree featuring showy flowers and lush foliage. Unusual yet attractive, dark...

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A large Agathis australis (Kauri tree) in a native reserve.
Agathis australis (New Zealand Kauri)

Agathis australis, commonly known as the Kauri tree, is a revered New Zealand native conifer renowned for its immense size and longevity. Reaching...

From$229.95
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Magnolia denudata 'Gere'

Magnolia denudata 'Gere' is a magnificent deciduous tree celebrated for its large, fragrant white flowers that appear in late winter and early spring...

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Ulmus 'Lobel' (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus 'Lobel' is a refined deciduous elm valued for its narrow upright form, dense green foliage, and excellent suitability as an avenue or specimen...

From$557.95
Magnolia denudata

Magnolia denudata, commonly known as the Lily Tree or Yulan Magnolia, is a deciduous tree admired for its large, fragrant, creamy white flowers that...

From$270.40
Albizia julibrissin 'Rosea' pink flowers and lush, green foliage.
Albizia julibrissin 'Rosea'

Albizia julibrissin 'Rosea' (Silk Tree) is a stunning deciduous tree valued for its graceful spreading canopy, fern like foliage, and masses of...

From$344.95
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Acer platanoides

Acer platanoides (Norway Maple) is a large deciduous tree prized for its broad canopy, dense shade, and attractive seasonal colour. The lush green...

From$249.95
Nestegis montana narrow green leaves on a tree.
Nestegis montana (Narrow-Leaved Maire)

Nestegis montana is a hardy and attractive native tree of New Zealand, known for its upright growth habit and glossy green foliage. This evergreen...

From$270.40
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PB60 Planter Bags (Bag For Xmas Tree)

PB60 Planter Bags are a strong and practical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and advanced nursery stock. Their...

From$169.50
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PB28 Planter Bags (Christmas Tree Bag)

PB28 Planter Bags are a durable and economical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and other mature nursery stock. Their...

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An avenue of Platanus acerifolia (London Plane trees).
Platanus acerifolia

Platanus acerifolia, commonly known as the London Plane Tree, is a large, deciduous tree grown for its foliage, stature, and showy fruits. The...

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Koelreuteria paniculata

Koelreuteria paniculata (Golden Rain Tree) is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its bright yellow flower clusters and attractive foliage. In...

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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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Jute Tree Tie

Jute Tree Tie is a natural and flexible option for securing young trees to stakes while they establish. The soft material helps reduce rubbing and...

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Cupressus sempervirens 'Stricta' (Pencil Cypress)

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

Search false cypress tree

What is a False Cypress Tree?

The term "false cypress tree" typically refers to species in the Chamaecyparis genus, known for their graceful, feathery leaves and pyramidal growth habit. Unlike true cypress, false cypress trees boast varied foliage hues—including silvery blue, gold, and deep green—and often exhibit striking, layered branch structures. These slow-growing conifers are especially valued for their adaptability and tolerance of cooler climates, making them a great fit for gardens across Aotearoa.

Top Varieties for New Zealand Gardens

If you’re searching for a standout variety, consider the Chamaecyparis lawsoniana Barrys Silver (Hinoki False Cypress), which features finely textured silvery foliage and an upright yet soft silhouette. This variety fits beautifully in borders, Japanese-inspired designs, or as a low-maintenance feature plant.

For gardeners interested in other upright conifers with slim profiles, the Cupressus sempervirens Stricta (Pencil Cypress) offers a similar architectural form, making it an excellent companion or alternative in your landscape.

Planting and Care Tips

False cypress trees are easy to establish and maintain, preferring well-drained soil and a sunny to partially shaded position. To ensure your tree thrives, water regularly during dry spells and mulch around the base to retain moisture. Pruning is rarely needed, but you can lightly trim for shape if desired. False cypress trees are highly resistant to pests and diseases, making them an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens.

For those seeking a similar conifer with beautiful autumn colour, consider the Taxodium distichum (Bald Cypress), which offers striking foliage that turns amber before shedding.

Landscape Uses

False cypress trees excel as feature specimens, hedge plants, and background greenery for mixed borders. Their unique form pairs well with ornamental grasses and flowering shrubs, while their evergreen presence ensures year-round structure in the garden. For tight spaces or avenues, upright varieties like the Quercus robur Fastigiata provide vertical appeal without overwhelming your planting scheme.

Explore Related Trees

If you’re interested in experimenting with other conifers, the Taxodium mucronatum (Montezuma Cypress) provides lush, delicate foliage and thrives near water features—perfect for larger landscapes.

Create Your Ideal Garden

False cypress trees bring elegance, variety, and easy-care greenery to gardens throughout New Zealand. Explore our range of conifers and complementary trees to craft a vibrant outdoor space that looks great all 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.

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