pencil cypress trees

Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
Price range: Contact Us
Rating: 4.8/5

If you're searching for elegant vertical accents for your garden, pencil cypress trees—specifically Cupressus Sempervirens Stricta—are a top choice for New Zealand landscapes. Renowned for their tall, slender shape and evergreen foliage, pencil cypress trees bring a touch of Mediterranean charm to any outdoor space. Whether used for formal avenues, contemporary designs, or privacy screens, these trees thrive throughout much of New Zealand, preferring sunny positions and well-drained soils. With their low-maintenance nature and hardy disposition, Cupressus Sempervirens Stricta is perfect for both novice and experienced gardeners.

Cupressus sempervirens 'Stricta' (Pencil Cypress)

5

Pencil Cypress, Italian Cypress

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.

Buy Cupressus sempervirens 'Stricta' (Pencil Cypress)

From $272.12

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

More species and varieties of Cupressus

Popular Conifer Shrubs

Cupressus sempervirens 'Stricta' (Pencil Cypress)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring Cupressus or Conifer Shrubs.

Search Cupressus sempervirens 'Stricta' (Pencil Cypress)

Why Choose Pencil Cypress Trees?

Pencil cypress trees are famed for their narrow, columnar form, making them ideal for tight spaces or as living garden sculptures. Their dark green foliage offers year-round colour, and they excel as windbreaks or natural privacy screens. These trees are resistant to drought once established, adding robustness to their beauty. Incorporating pencil cypress trees into your landscape instantly creates structure, definition, and a sense of order—especially in formal gardens or along driveways.

Planting and Caring for Cupressus Sempervirens Stricta

Cupressus Sempervirens Stricta prefers well-drained soils and full sun. When planting pencil cypress trees, ensure adequate space between specimens to avoid crowding and encourage healthy growth. Regular watering during the first year helps establish roots, after which they become quite resilient. Occasional trimming keeps the shape tidy, but many gardeners appreciate their natural outline.

If you enjoy the vertical appeal of pencil cypress trees, you might also want to explore other upright conifers such as Cupressus Green Spire, Cupressus Totem, and Juniperus 'Skyrocket', which offer stunning variations in foliage colour and growth habit.

Landscape Uses and Inspiration

Pencil cypress trees are a favourite among designers for their dramatic impact and versatility. Use them as focal points in borders, frame entrances, or create formal hedges and avenue plantings. Their striking silhouette pairs well with Mediterranean plants, flowering perennials, or gravel gardens. For layered plantings, consider mixing them with textural companions like Cupressus Gracilis (Italian Spruce) or the silvery blue tones of Cupressus Blue Ice (Blue Arizona Cypress). For golden accents, Juniperus Winter Gold (Gold Juniper Plant) adds contrast to your evergreen palette.

Related Conifers for Your Garden

Expand your garden’s diversity by exploring other conifers such as Cupressus Ovensii, Cedrus deodara, and Thuja occidentalis. Each offers unique forms and foliage colours suitable for New Zealand conditions.

Pencil cypress trees, with their timeless elegance and practical benefits, are a superb addition to gardens large or small. Let your landscape shine year-round with these living pillars of green.

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.