Whether as a hedge or as a solitary plant: Anyone who plants cypresses in the garden is usually always happy with them. Unless you don't take proper care of them.
The cypress (Cupressus) comes from the Mediterranean region and is at home in Greece, Cyprus and Italy, among other places. But it also feels at home in our gardens and grows in competition with its conspecifics. What is special about the cypress is its straight, narrow growth, which makes it particularly attractive. But this can also break out, which is why you have to reach for secateurs from time to time.
But that's not the only maintenance measure. Cypress trees also need some water and fertilizer to thrive. And even in winter you have to do a lot so that the plants survive the cold season well. So cypress trees need a certain amount of care. But that doesn't necessarily mean that you have to have a green thumb, because the care measures are limited. Accordingly, the cypress is also something for beginners who want to bring a touch of Tuscany into their garden.
This is how your cypresses will thrive
Pruning cypresses
Cypresses grow very quickly and can reach enormous heights. If that's what you want, you don't have to cut them. On the other hand, if you keep the cypress as a hedge plant, then an annual pruning in March or August is recommended. In this way you not only curb growth, you also strengthen the plant at the same time.
Fertilize cypresses
Like all plants, cypresses also need a little nutrition in order to thrive. It is best to fertilize them with compost in spring or autumn. But horn shavings are also recommended.
Cypresses that you have planted in containers need a little more fertilizer. Give these plants some conventional liquid fertilizer over the irrigation water from April to September - about every four weeks.
Watering cypresses
For the cypress, lack of water is one of the biggest enemies. And that goes for both summer and winter. So if it hasn't rained for a long time, you have to grab the watering can and water the cypresses, preferably with rainwater. This also applies to frost-free winter days. on hotOn summer days it is even advisable to water several times a day.
Little tip:
To prevent waterlogging in the tub, you must create a drainage layer. This should preferably consist of pebbles, potsherds or lava split.
Wintering cypresses
Cypresses are only hardy to about -15 degrees. Therefore, you must protect both the outdoor cypresses and the cypresses planted in tubs well in winter. Outdoor cypresses are best protected, for example, if you put jute bags over them. If you keep the cypress in a pot, then you can bring the plants inside in winter. They feel most comfortable in a bright room with temperatures between 4 and 8 degrees. You can also wrap the buckets with fleece and bubble wrap in late autumn. The plant itself is best protected with a jute bag.