Italian Cypress – Cupressus sempervirens
Our Specialisation in Cypress Production
Our long-standing specialisation in the production of Cupressus sempervirens has led us to offer premium-quality grafted plants, established in containers and available in selected clones.
Genetic identity and production quality are ensured through a strict quality-control protocol.
We believe that the future of Cupressus sempervirens lies in varietal and clonal selection. Over the years, this approach has enabled us to introduce new selections, including clones with resistance to cypress canker.
Clones and Varieties in Production
Cupressus sempervirens ‘Pyramidalis’
Commonly known as Italian Cypress or Tuscan Cypress, it is available in the following selected clones:
- Sancorey® – Patented in 1990 by Jean Rey Nurseries for its resistance to cypress canker.
It combines excellent ornamental qualities with good hardiness and has a habit that is more columnar than conical.
Young plants tend to develop abundant foliage in the upper part of the crown. Compared with ‘Obelisco’, it generally shows stronger growth in spring than in autumn, a characteristic that may contribute to greater cold hardiness.
- Obelisco
A clone probably of French origin, selected after several years of comparative cultivation among numerous clones grown in Central Italy.
While retaining the hardiness and growth rate typical of clones selected in the Pistoia area, ‘Obelisco’ develops fine, dense foliage similar to that of ‘Totem’.
- Garda
A clone originating from the Lake Garda area.
It has compact, light-green foliage and produces very few flowers and consequently very few cones. This reduces the risk of branches bending under the weight of mature cones.
Its growth habit is similar to that of ‘Totem’. Some authors have suggested that this clone may have greater cold hardiness, although this has not been conclusively demonstrated.
It does, however, show good tolerance of high-humidity conditions.
- Pistoia
A clone selected in the Pistoia area.
It has excellent ornamental qualities and a habit that is more conical than columnar. Plants are highly compact and well furnished with foliage even at a young age.
The foliage is dark green, with a good growth rate and excellent cold hardiness.
Cupressus ‘Totem’
“Totem” is a selection probably originating in France and introduced in the early twentieth century.
It is characterised by extremely compact foliage and outstanding ornamental qualities. Its growth rate, cold hardiness and ultimate height are slightly lower than those of the other cypress selections in our range.
Its naturally narrow and compact habit means that it can be grown without formative pruning.
Flowering is extremely limited and consequently cone production is also very low. The reduced flowering and pollen production make ‘Totem’ particularly suitable for locations where low pollen production is desirable.
Cupressus sempervirens ‘Horizontalis’
A vigorous cypress with a broader, conical habit and long basal branches.
It is particularly suitable for hedges, screening and windbreaks.
It is a hardy and fast-growing plant with strong, spreading branches.
Cypress Technical Data Sheets
View or download our technical data sheets in PDF format only in Italian.