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Cupressus lusitanica

Mexican cypress

A large conical or columnar coniferous tree with blue-green or grey-green foliage and rich brown, fissured, peeling bark

Other common names
cedar of Goa
Portuguese cypress
Synonyms
Cupressus glauca

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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Blue Green
Summer Blue Green
Autumn Blue Green
Winter Blue Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or North–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Cupressaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus

Cupressus are vigorous, evergreen trees with flaking or scaly bark, often with columnar or narrowly ovoid crowns, small, often aromatic, scale-like leaves and small, spherical female cones

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Mexico to C America

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Protect from cold, drying winds

Propagation

Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Coastal
  • Low Maintenance
  • Hedging and screens
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to cypress aphid

Diseases

May be susceptible to coryneum canker and honey fungus. See Conifers: brown patches

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