Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

Cupressus 'Totem' (Totem Cypress)

5 from 2 customers

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.

Cupressus 'Totem' (Totem Cypress) trees in a garden.
Cupressus 'Totem' (Totem Cypress) trees in 4 litre pots at The Plant Compnay nursery.
Cupressus 'Totem' (Totem Cypress) trees in a plant nursery.
Cupressus 'Totem' (Totem Cypress) trees bordering an entrance.
Free Shipping on Orders Over $150
The average plant height is 50cm.
$37.19
The average plant height is 110cm.
$270.40
The average plant height is 125cm.
$340.69

Buy more Cupressus 'Totem' plants and save -

Suited to regions:All regions
Plant type:Conifers
Height:5.00 m
Spread:75 cm
Flowering time:
Tolerances:Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses:Hedging, Parks, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles:Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Mediterranean, Modern
Easy to grow?Yes
Maintenance requirementsLow
Growth rateMedium
Also known as
Sku11273

Features and Growth Habit

Cupressus 'Totem' grows upright to around 6 to 8 metres tall with a slim profile of about 1 to 1.5 metres wide. Its dense foliage remains vibrant year-round, providing a clean and elegant silhouette. This variety is prized for its neat, upright growth and versatility in landscape design. It is often used to frame entrances or line driveways, adding structure and height without occupying a significant amount of space. Its strong vertical presence also makes it suitable for urban gardens where space is limited.

Cupressus 'Totem' Care Tips

Cupressus 'Totem' is easy to care for and thrives in full sun with well-drained soil. Water regularly during the first year to establish strong roots, then reduce frequency as the plant becomes drought-tolerant. Avoid overwatering, as it dislikes soggy conditions. Prune lightly to maintain its narrow, upright shape if needed. Apply a slow-release fertiliser in spring to support healthy growth. It tolerates wind and frost well, making it ideal for structured plantings and screening.

Plant Size and Spacing for Cupressus 'Totem' (Totem Cypress)

Cupressus 'Totem' typically grows to 4–6 metres tall and 0.5–1 metre wide, forming a dense, columnar shape. For screening or formal rows, space plants 1–1.5 metres apart. When used as a specimen or architectural feature, allow at least 1 metre of clearance around each plant to highlight its narrow, upright form. Proper spacing ensures good airflow and helps maintain the plant's health and vertical growth.

Landscaping uses for Cupressus 'Totem' (Totem Cypress)

Use Cupressus 'Totem' (Totem Cypress) for structural planting, evergreen garden features, and formal landscape designs. Cupressus 'Totem' (Totem Cypress) is often used to frame entrances or line driveways, adding structure and height without occupying a significant amount of space. Position it where its natural form can be appreciated and allow sufficient space for mature growth. Combine it with plants that enjoy similar light, soil, and watering conditions for a practical and cohesive display. Repeated planting adds rhythm, while a single specimen can create a distinctive focal point.

Why buy Cupressus 'Totem' (Totem Cypress) from The Plant Company?

Buy Cupressus 'Totem' (Totem Cypress) from The Plant Company, NZ's most trusted plant nursery. Choose from our extensive range and get practical advice to help match your plants to your local conditions. Our team makes online ordering straightforward, with careful packing and delivery throughout New Zealand. Whether you are planning structural planting or refreshing an established display, we can help you select suitable plants. Explore the available options and take the next step towards a beautiful, rewarding planting project.

Questions and Answers

Have a question about Cupressus 'Totem'? We are here to help.

Hello We are after 6 plants - the largest you have in height. Do you ship to Christchurch?

Yes we ship to ChCh. Simply email in your request to shop@theplantcompany.co.nz and the team will work with you to sort the size desired.

Hi, I bought 4 Totem Cypresses from you in Spring 2025. We are in Oxford, North Canterbury. Two have doubled in size. They are in a location which is sheltered by a picket fence from the Nor-wester, and is fairly shady. But the other two, in a different spot, have barely grown at all. These latter two are also covered in tiny brown cones/seeds, while the first two have none. Both pairs of trees are in good soil, well drained and rich in humus. The latter two are in a sunny spot with a brick wall behind them, on the East, a hedge to the North, and a picket fence to the South. They are somewhat exposed to the West wind however, which means the Nor-wester does affect them more than the others. Is it simply the Nor-wester which is stunting their growth? Or could it be something else? I would appreciate your advice :) Many thanks, Annette Shaskey.

Could you please send a photo to shop@theplantcompany.co.nz Thanks Sue

Reviews

5 from 2 customers
Marlene Marais - Auckland

Our plant arrived in excellent condition. Great packaging and intact.

Roger Long - Canterbury

Beautiful plants, great communication, far better pricing than anyone else online, and fast delivery - what else could we need? My wife and I love dealing with you guys and appreciate all your efforts. Businesses that are passionate and care about their customers are hard to come by these days.

cupressus-gracilis-1
Most Popular 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-sempervirens-stricta-2
Most Popular Cupressus sempervirens 'Stricta' (Pencil Cypress)

Cupressus sempervirens 'Stricta' is a tall narrow evergreen conifer admired for its dense upright form and rich dark green foliage. This classic...

From$179.91
cupressus-green-spire-2
Most Popular Cupressus 'Green Spire' (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...

From$28.91
cupressus-ovensii-3
Most Popular 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$28.91
Large Juniperus 'Kaizuka' trees as a cluster.
Most Popular Juniperus chinensis 'Kaizuka'

Juniperus chinensis 'Kaizuka', commonly known as the Hollywood Juniper tree or Torulosa Juniper, is an upright conifer with an oriental style. It...

From$270.40
Juniperus 'Skyrocket' shrubs with blue-grey foliage.
Most Popular Juniperus 'Skyrocket'

Juniperus 'Skyrocket', commonly known as the Skyrocket Juniper or Rocky Mountain Juniper, is a popular conifer that grows as a broad column. It...

From$270.40
Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' hedge with bright green foliage.
Most Popular Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' (Green Cedar)

Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd', commonly known as the Green or Emerald Cedar, grows with a narrow, dense, and columnar habit. The foliage is rich...

From$17.95
Thuja orientalis 'Blue Cone' shrubs with green foliage in pots.
Most Popular Thuja orientalis 'Blue Cone'

Thuja orientalis 'Blue Cone' is a dwarf conifer that features dense and erect sprays of green foliage. It gets its name from the blue cones produced...

From$289.95
Sure, Coprosma 'Hawera' (Sand Coprosma) and Avocado 'Hass' are crowd-pleasers, but Rhopalostylis sapida, Anigozanthos 'Celebrations Aussie Spirit', and Malus 'Snowbright' are quietly making a name for themselves.
–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.8

466 Google reviews