Cupressus, commonly known as cypress trees, are a versatile group of evergreens popular in New Zealand gardens and landscapes. They offer elegant vertical accents, dense screening, and excellent wind protection. Their diverse varieties range from tall, slender Italian cypress to broad, spreading forms, suitable for various garden sizes and styles.
Cupressus 'Blue Ice' is a striking evergreen conifer admired for its vibrant icy blue foliage and strong upright growth habit. This hardy tree...
Cupressus 'Gracilis' (Italian Spruce) is a tall narrow evergreen conifer admired for its elegant upright growth habit and dense dark green foliage...
Cupressus ovensii (Ovens Cypress) is a hardy evergreen conifer admired for its fine textured foliage and dense upright growth habit. This resilient...
Cupressus sempervirens 'Stricta' is a tall narrow evergreen conifer admired for its dense upright form and rich dark green foliage. This classic...
Cupressus 'Totem', otherwise known as the Totem Cypress, is a conifer valued for its slender, upright habit that brings an architectural effect. It...
Cupressus 'Brunniana Aurea' is an elegant evergreen conifer prized for its bright golden foliage, dense pyramidal form, and year round colour. This...
Cupressus cashmeriana (Bhutan Cypress) is an elegant evergreen conifer valued for its soft blue green foliage and graceful weeping habit. Well suited...
Cupressus gigantea, commonly known as Tibetan Cypress, is grown for its impressive stature and colourful foliage. Blue-grey foliage is held densely...
Cupressus glabra (Smooth Arizona Cypress) is a striking evergreen conifer admired for its smooth bark and attractive blue grey foliage. This hardy...
Cupressus 'Golden Pyramid' is a striking evergreen conifer valued for its brilliant golden foliage and naturally narrow pyramidal form. It provides...
Cupressus Green Spire is a conifer valued for its slender, upright habit that brings an architectural effect. It carries fine, dark -green foliage...
Cupressus 'Greenstead Magnificent' is a handsome evergreen conifer valued for its dense rich green foliage and naturally upright form. It provides...
Cupressus ‘Lemon Spire’ is a striking evergreen conifer known for its narrow, columnar form and vibrant golden-yellow foliage. Its dense, upright...
Cupressus leylandii (Leyland Cypress) is a fast growing evergreen conifer renowned for its dense foliage, vigorous growth, and outstanding screening...
Cupressus leylandii Ferndown is a fast-growing and features feathery, light green leaves which are held densely on somewhat pendulous branches. It...
Cupressus 'Limelight' is a striking evergreen conifer admired for its bright lime green foliage and naturally dense upright habit. The vibrant colour...
Cupressus lusitanica 'Mangamahoe' is a vigorous evergreen conifer valued for its attractive blue green foliage, upright habit, and excellent shelter...
Cupressus macrocarpa 'Aurea' is a striking evergreen conifer prized for its vibrant golden foliage and naturally dense growth. It provides year round...
Cupressus macrocarpa 'Fine Gold' is a striking evergreen conifer admired for its vibrant golden foliage and naturally compact growth habit. This...
Cupressus macrocarpa 'Golden Pillar' is a striking evergreen conifer admired for its vibrant golden foliage and narrow upright growth habit. This...
Cupressus sempervirens (Italian Cypress) is a tall narrow evergreen conifer admired for its elegant upright form and dense dark green foliage. This...
Cupressus sempervirens 'Swanes Gold' is a striking evergreen conifer admired for its vibrant golden foliage and elegant upright growth habit. This...
Cupressus Sky Tower, commonly known as the Tuscan Cypress is valued for its slender, upright habit that brings an architectural effect. It carries...
Cupressus Stapehill is a fast-growing conifer featuring feathery, light green leaves which are held densely on somewhat pendulous branches. It grows...
Cupressus torulosa (Himalayan Cypress) is a graceful evergreen conifer admired for its elegant pendulous branches, rich green foliage, and impressive...
Cupressus trees thrive best in full sun and well-drained soils. They are generally drought-tolerant once established and require minimal maintenance. Different species adapt to a range of soil types but prefer neutral to slightly alkaline conditions. Regular pruning helps maintain shape and health, making cypress trees ideal for hedges, screens, and specimen planting.
At The Plant Company, we offer a selection of Cupressus varieties suited to New Zealand’s climate, including Cupressus sempervirens (Italian cypress), Cupressus macrocarpa (Monterey cypress), and others. Each variety brings unique features, from columnar forms to broad, textured foliage, allowing gardeners to select the perfect tree for their landscape.
Our Cupressus trees are propagated and grown in New Zealand, ensuring they are acclimated and healthy. We provide fast, reliable nationwide delivery, with quality assurance and expert advice to help you select and care for your trees. Shop online today and add enduring elegance and structure to your garden with Cupressus.
Cupressus trees grow at a moderate to fast rate, depending on the species and the growing conditions. Some Cupressus species, such as Leyland cypress (Cupressus x leylandii), can grow up to 1 m per year, while others, such as Italian cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), grow at a rate of about 30-60 cm per year.
The word "cypress" can refer to two different things:
In other words, all Cupressus trees are cypresses, but not all cypresses are Cupressus trees. There are many other genera of trees in the Cupressaceae family, such as Juniperus, Thuja, and Chamaecyparis.
Cupressus trees are typically distinguished from other cypress trees by their scale-like leaves and their small, roundish cones. They are also known for their slender, columnar growth habit.
Some of the most common Cupressus species include:
Cupressus trees are popular for landscaping and hedging because of their attractive foliage, hardiness, and ability to tolerate a variety of conditions. They are also used for timber and to produce essential oils.
The life span of Cupressus trees varies depending on the species and the growing conditions. However, most Cupressus trees can live for 100-300 years. Some species, such as the Italian cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), can live for over 1,000 years.
Cupressus trees prefer full sun, but they can tolerate partial shade. If you are planting a Cupressus tree in a shady area, be sure to choose a spot that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
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.

