Blue cypress ∗ The 10 best care and planting tips

Care tips

This care program creates the optimal framework conditions so that a column cypress fulfills expectations both as an elegant solitaire and as a majestic hedge:

• Do not let the root ball dry out at any time of the year
• Ideally, water with low-lime water
• Optionally organic from March to August fertilize or one in March and June Slow release fertilizer apply
• Topiary in several stages instead of a profound cut back
• Thoroughly thin out columnar cypress in early spring

Please do not forego the protection of gloves, protective goggles and long-sleeved clothing during maintenance work. The high toxicity of a blue False cypress is not to be underestimated.
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Which location is suitable?

One of the many advantages of a column cypress is its flexible adjustment to light and temperature conditions. The conifer achieves its optimum in sunny, warm locations, but also thrives in the Penumbra and light shadows. The nature of the soil is more important for vital growth. A first-class drainage is at the top of the wish list, closely followed by a humus-rich, nutrient-rich, loose structure with a slightly acidic pH value of 5-6.

The correct planting distance

So that the column cypress quickly forms an opaque hedge, the correct planting distance is of the highest relevance. In view of the slim stature, which is retained even with a height of 300 cm and more, the distance to each other should not be too generous. Arrange the blue cypress trees at a distance of 30 to 50 cm from each other, you are exactly right.
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What soil does the plant need?

You will enjoy a hedge made of blue false cypress trees if the soil is deep, humic, loose and slightly acidic. If the substrate quality at the planned location does not come close to the ideal conditions, an adequate compensation can be created with the help of soil additives. The addition of acidic deciduous and coniferous compost or Epsom salt reduces a pH value that is too high. Quartz sand, fine grit or grit ensure better permeability Lava granules. Lean soil is nursed to mature compost, Horn shavings,(€ 32.93 at Amazon *) Bark humus or horse manure.

Cut blue cypress correctly

It is primarily the modest cut tolerance that predestines a columnar cypress to be the ideal hedge plant. While the Blue cypress can grow freely as a solitaire without the need for annual pruning, as a well-tended, evergreen enclosure, it requires repeated use of the Hedge trimmer.(€ 77.00 at Amazon *) How to handle it right:

• Carry out light shaped cuts repeatedly from April to August
• Ideally, cut in small stages instead of extensive pruning
• Under no circumstances cut into the old wood, as these branches will turn brown

At the end of winter, you also thin out the columnar cypress thoroughly. Deadwood, inwardly directed and rubbing shoots are cut at the base. Make all other cuts so that a few millimeters of green plant tissue remain on the branch, from which the conifer can sprout again.
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Watering blue cypress

If a columnar cypress is exposed to drought stress, this disadvantage has a negative impact on growth or puts an end to plant life. You should therefore water the conifer regularly as soon as the soil has dried on the surface. Ideally, pamper the false cypress with collected rainwater, soft pond water or decalcified tap water.

Fertilize blue cypress properly

A start fertilization in March / April awakens the spirits of your column cypress. You can choose to use a slow release fertilizer, which is used again in June, or you can fertilize purely organic. If the blue cypress receives a portion of compost every 30 days, Horn shavings,(€ 32.93 at Amazon *) Horse manure or guano granulate, the nutritional requirements are covered. In August, the application of fertilizer is stopped so that the plants mature before winter.
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Diseases

In unfavorable locations with little sunlight, too dry or moist soil, fungal spores of the most varied of origins have an easy time. As a symptom of these widespread diseases, the needle tips wither and then turn yellow and brown. In the early stages there is still hope, as the diseased parts of the plant are cut off and disposed of with household waste. If, on the other hand, a cut into the old wood is necessary, the affected columnar cypress is better disposed of. Effective control agents for the house and allotment gardens are not yet known. The same applies to the fungal infection Hallimasch (Armillaria mellea).
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Pests

Despite its poisonous content, the columnar cypress is not immune to pest infestation. The following pests can affect a blue cypress:

• Thuja Leaf miner: Control with neem-containing and other approved insecticides
• Thuja sapwood beetle: Cut out the infested areas, if the infestation pressure is high it is better to clear
• Aphids: Repeatedly spray with a mix of 1 liter of water and 1 tablespoon each of soft soap and alcohol

Since the symptoms of diseases and pests on a columnar cypress express themselves similarly in form yellow and brown discolorations, keep an eye out for the insects, their larvae and Feeding damage.

Blue cypress propagate

The breeding of further blue false cypresses can easily be realized. To do this, tear off half-lignified shoots so that a piece of the bark remains on them. Defoliated in the lower part, stick the twigs directly into the ground and cover the bedding area with leaves. Alternatively, plant the cuttings in a pot with poor substrate, put a plastic bag inside above and care for them in the partially shaded location until an independent root system develops Has.

Is blue cypress poisonous?

The shady side of the majestic columnar cypress shows itself in a harmful toxicity. Pay sufficient respect to toxicity by wearing sturdy gloves, long-sleeved clothing, and safety glasses during all planting and maintenance work. The clippings should never be disposed of in places that are accessible to animals, as the consumption of the smallest amounts causes an excruciating death.
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Brown leaves

One of the most common problems in the cultivation of a columnar cypress is the brown discoloration of leaves and entire shoots. These causes are hidden behind it:

• Lack of light
• Drought stress
• Waterlogging
• Soil compaction
• Nutritional deficiency
• Fungal infections
• Pest infestation
• Cut back into the old wood
• Dog urine
• Frost damage

In view of this long list, you will not be spared from having to put all the basic conditions of your column cypress to the test.

Nice varieties

• Columnaris: The variety superstar thanks to its elegant stature, dense, blue-green needle dress and little tendency to baldness
• Elliwoodii: Magnificent columnar cypress with feathery, light foliage; with a maximum height of 250-300 cm, ideal for small gardens
• Glauca: The variety impresses with its upright habit, very slim; the perfect hedge plant
• Minima Glauca: Thrives in a cushion shape up to 100 cm high and is recommended for rock gardens, the terrace and the grave
• Pemury Blue: With steel-blue, soft needles, this column cypress also sets decorative accents as a solitaire