Italian Cypress (Cupressus Sempervirens Stricta) 20 seeds (#248)

This Italian Cypress is one of the more impressive cultivars. Pencil-thin and conical, reaching heights of perhaps up to 36 ft tall in maturity, this cultivar is highly valued for the ascending, spire-like effect it can bring to a restricted space, or a space where shade is not desired. 'Stricta' is the narrowest of all the C. sempervirens. Plant as a hedge or screen, in groups of 3 to 5 in a formal landscape, at entry ways for a structured look or as a specimen plant against a building to soften the hard lines of the building.
Plant in full sun slightly above soil grade in well-drained soil. It is tolerant of all types of soils and pH's. It requires very little summer water and isdrought tolerant when established (2 - 3 years after planting).
Birds use its dense foliage for nesting and as a safe haven.
This plant is moderately susceptible to cypress canker and can suffer extensive dieback where this disease is common.
Advisory: Although wildly popular with designers, and regularly featuring in show gardens, the species is not entirely hardy in the British Isles, and is at risk if exposed to extended periods of very cold temperatures. If you are amongst the many prepared to accept that risk, we advise planting in full sun, sheltered from cold, dry winds. Tolerates lime soils.

Genus - Cupressus
Species - Sempervirens
Variety - Stricta
Common name - Italian Cypress
Pre-Treatment - Required
Hardiness zones - 7 - 10
Height - 24-36' / 7 - 11(20) m
Spread - 3-5' / 0.90 - 1.50 m
Plant type - Tree or Shrub
Vegetation type - Evergreen
Exposure - Full Sun
Growth rate - Fast
Soil PH - Neutral
Soil type - Laom, sand, well drained
Water requirements - Drought tolerant, average water
Landscape uses - As a hedge or screen, in groups in a formal landscape, at entry ways for a structured look.
Leaf / Flower color - Dark Green / --

GERMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
1. Set the cypress seeds into a bowl of water to soak for approximately 24 hours.
2. Put approximately 1 cup of peat moss into a zip-top bag. Pour in 2 to 3 tsp. of water into the bag, then add the cypress tree seeds to the contents of the bag. Squeeze out any excess air from the bag as you seal it closed.
3. Put the bag containing the seeds into a cold location. The temperature needs to be between +1-+4C (35-40F). Leave the bag in the cold location for 30 days. Check on the contents of the bag every 3 to 4 days to make sure the peat moss remains moist, but not sodden wet. Spritz the peat moss with water as needed.
4. Remove the bag from their cold storage location. Put seed-starting compost into 10 cm (4") pots. Tamp down the soil well. Pour water into each of the pots until the soil is visibly well dampened.
5. Plant two to three cypress seeds per 10 cm (4") pot. Press them into the soil to a depth of between 3 mm (1/8") using the back of a spoon. Sprinkle a 3 mm (1/8") layer of seed-starting compost over the seeds.
6. Set the 10 cm (4") pots into a watering tray, or similar container. Set the tray in a warm, brightly lit area. Try to provide a temperature between +18-+22C (65-70F). Keep the tray away from direct sunlight, but try and provide about 6 to 8 hours of light daily. The soil in the pots needs to be kept on the moist side; add water to the tray as needed. Germination of seeds can take as long as 1 to 2 months.