Pencil Pine

Cupressus sempervirens Glauca

This Pencil Pine is a stunning conifer with brilliant blue-green foliage growing in a very tight, erect column. Grows to 10M

Cupressus sempervirens ‘Glauca’, commonly known as Italian Cypress ‘Glauca’ or Blue Italian Cypress, is a stunning conifer that brings a formal, Mediterranean feel to gardens and landscapes. This cultivar is known for its tall, narrow, columnar growth habit and distinctive bluish-green foliage, making it a popular choice for architectural landscaping or as an accent plant.


Key Features:

Appearance:

  • Form: A tall, slender, columnar tree with an elegant, upright growth habit.
  • Height and Spread: Typically grows to 10–15 meters (30–50 feet) in height but only spreads 1–2 meters (3–6 feet) wide, making it ideal for narrow spaces.
  • Foliage: Dense, bluish-green to silvery-blue scale-like leaves that retain their color year-round.
  • Bark: Smooth and gray when young, becoming fissured and rough with age.
  • Cones: Produces small, round, woody cones, though they are not a prominent feature.

Growing Conditions:

Light Requirements:

  • Thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Soil:

  • Prefers well-drained soil but is adaptable to a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils.
  • Tolerates neutral to slightly alkaline pH levels.

Watering:

  • Drought-tolerant once established but benefits from regular watering during the first few years after planting to encourage root development.
  • Avoid overwatering, as it dislikes waterlogged conditions.

Hardiness:

  • Suitable in warm, dry climates.
  • Tolerates occasional frost but not prolonged freezing temperatures.

Advantages:

  1. Compact Form: Its narrow, upright habit makes it perfect for tight spaces or as a vertical accent.
  2. Low Maintenance: Drought-tolerant and pest-resistant once established.
  3. Year-Round Interest: Evergreen foliage provides color and structure in all seasons.
  4. Versatile Landscaping Use: Works well in formal designs, Mediterranean gardens, or as a privacy screen.

Care Tips:

  • Planting Location: Choose a spot with good air circulation and full sun exposure to prevent fungal issues.
  • Mulching: Apply a 5–7 cm (2–3 inch) layer of mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
  • Pruning: Minimal pruning is required. Trim lightly in late winter or early spring to maintain shape or remove dead branches.
  • Fertilizer: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring for optimal growth.

Uses in Landscaping:

  • Formal Gardens: Ideal for framing driveways, entrances, or walkways.
  • Privacy Screen: Plant in a row for an effective windbreak or hedge.
  • Accent Plant: Use as a focal point in Mediterranean or Tuscan-inspired designs.
  • Container Planting: Can be grown in large containers to add height and structure to patios or courtyards.

Potential Issues:

  • Overwatering: Can lead to root rot or fungal diseases. Ensure soil drains well.
  • Pests: Generally pest-resistant but may occasionally attract cypress aphids or spider mites.
  • Fungal Diseases: Susceptible to canker diseases, especially in overly humid or poorly drained conditions.

Companion Plants:

  • Mediterranean Plants: Lavender, rosemary, and olive trees complement its style and growing requirements.
  • Flowering Plants: Bougainvillea, lantana, or white roses for contrast and seasonal color.
  • Grasses and Groundcovers: Blue fescue (Festuca glauca) or creeping thyme for a cohesive, low-maintenance design.

$11.25$248.25 inc. GST

In stock

Height: 30 - 190cm

Melbourne Metro deliveries cost $44.00.
Expect your delivery to arrive between 1 and 5 business days.

The Mornington Peninsula ** Mt Eliza to Portsea ** and Geelong deliveries cost $66.00.
Expect your delivery to arrive between 1 and 5 business days.

Outer Melbourne deliveries cost $132.00.
Expect your delivery to arrive between 1 and 7 business days.

Regional Victoria deliveries cost between $143.00 – $264.00.
Expect your delivery to arrive between 3 and 7 business days.

Call David Direct on 0427 047 857 to

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