Cupressus sempervirens 'Glauca' - Pencil Pine

70L: 2.0m – 2.2m
50cm: 1.4m – 1.6m
40cm / 45L: 1.4m – 1.6m

Please note: These height guides are approximate, as we work with live plants and natural variation is expected. The measurements provided reflect typical stock sizing but may vary between batches.

Size
$520.00
$520.00
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Learn About Your New Cupressus sempervirens 'Glauca' - Pencil Pine

Cupressus sempervirens 'Glauca', commonly known as Pencil Pine, is a tall, narrow evergreen tree famed for its iconic columnar shape and Mediterranean elegance. Growing 8–12 meters tall and just 1–1.5 meters wide, it offers striking vertical definition and year-round structure with a minimal footprint—perfect for formal landscapes.

Ideal for framing driveways, entrances, garden borders, or creating structured rows, Pencil Pine thrives in full sun, tolerates drought once established, and adapts well to various soil types. Its dense, fine blue-green foliage creates clean lines and a symmetrical form that bring sophistication to any outdoor space.

Low-maintenance and resilient, this tree looks excellent when used to add timeless elegance and height without overwhelming your garden, making it a classic choice for Mediterranean or classical designs.

Plant Profile
Planting & Spacing Tips
Post Planting Care
Tips for Various Soil Types

1. Botanical & Physical Characteristics

BOTANICAL NAME:
Cupressus sempervirens 'Glauca'
GENUS:
Cupressus
BOTANICAL SPECIES:
cupressus
COMMON NAME:
Pencil Pine
FAMILY:
Cupressaceae
EVERGREEN / DECIDUOUS:
Evergreen (foliage year round)
FOLIAGE TYPE
  • Fine
FORM & SHAPE
  • Columnar
  • Narrow

2. Growth & Environmental Conditions

GROWTH RATE
EXPECTED GROWTH PER YEAR

Approx. 30 – 60 cm per year

MATURE HEIGHT

15m - 25m Approximately

MATURE WIDTH

0.5m – 1m

SUNLIGHT EXPOSURE
  • Full Sun
FROST TOLERANCE

Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

AUSTRALIAN NATIVE?
No

3. Practical Uses & Flowering

USES:
  • Screening or Privacy
  • Feature Tree
  • Avenue Planting
  • Council or Civic Landscapes
FLOWER COLOUR
Yellow
FLOWER TYPE
  • Not Applicable
FLOWERING PERIOD

Planting Tips

Plant Spacing

Hedging & Screening: Plant 1 m apart for a narrow hedge or privacy wall.

Feature Tree: 2 m – 2.5 m apart to highlight upright, sculptural form.

Avenue Planting Trees: 2 m – 3 m apart for striking formal avenues.

Ensuring A Strong Start

Planting Your Tree:

  1. Choose a sunny location where the tree can reach its full height without obstruction.
  2. Ensure the soil is well-drained; amend with sand or gravel if necessary.
  3. Plant the tree at the same depth it was in the pot and backfill with soil, tamping down firmly.
  4. Water thoroughly after planting and mulch to conserve moisture.

Root Ball Dimensions (Width × Depth) for Planting

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

  • 30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
  • 40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
  • 50cm Pot: 49.5cm (W) × 35.2cm (D)
  • 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
  • 100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
  • 100L Pot: 66cm (W) × 49.5cm (D)
  • 150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
  • 200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
  • 300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
  • 400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
  • 500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
  • 750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
  • 1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
  • 2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

Post Planting Care

When planting a new tree or shrub, proper watering is essential to ensure healthy establishment and long-term growth. Follow these guidelines to give your plant the best start:

  1. Immediately After Planting:
    Water generously right after planting to settle the soil around the roots and eliminate air pockets. This helps the roots make good contact with the soil.
  2. First Three Months (Establishment Phase):
    The initial three months are critical for root development. Water deeply twice daily (morning and evening) to encourage strong, deep root growth.
  3. Irrigation Systems:
    If using an irrigation system, adjust it to provide adequate water during the establishment phase. Ensure the water reaches the root zone without overwatering.
  4. Weather Considerations:
    Adjust watering based on weather conditions. Increase frequency during hot, dry periods and reduce it during cooler, wetter seasons.
  5. Ongoing Care:
    After the establishment phase (3 months), gradually reduce watering frequency but ensure the plant receives consistent moisture, especially during dry spells.

Long Term & Ongoing Care

Caring For Your Tree:

  1. Water young trees regularly until established; then water sparingly, only during prolonged dry periods.
  2. Prune if necessary to maintain shape, but avoid heavy pruning.
  3. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
  4. Monitor for signs of canker or other diseases and treat promptly if needed.

Growing Your Cupressus sempervirens 'Glauca' - Pencil Pine in Various Soil Types

Optimizing Soil for Architectural Form and Minimalist Beauty

Ideal Drainage: Prefers well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic soil in a sunny position.

Well-Draining Soil: Key to maintaining its narrow, columnar form and preventing root diseases.

Specific Soil Tips:

  • Sandy Soil: Excellent for ensuring drainage; provide moderate fertility with controlled-release fertilizers to avoid overstimulating growth.
  • Clay Soil: Typically unsuitable; must be heavily amended with sand and organic material to create the proper texture and drainage.
  • Loamy Soil: Ensure it remains well-drained; avoid excessive watering to mimic the pine’s natural dry habitat preferences.
  • Peaty Soil: Not ideal; must be modified with plenty of grit or sand to ensure drainage while maintaining moderate fertility.
Here is what customers like you frequently ask

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How fast do Blue Italian Cypress trees grow?
A: They have a moderate growth rate, generally gaining about 30 cm to 60 cm per year once established.

Q: Are Blue Italian Cypress trees susceptible to any diseases?
A: They can be prone to canker disease, which may be mitigated by proper care and sometimes copper-based treatments.

Q: Can Blue Italian Cypress be pruned to control height?
A: Yes, they can be gently pruned to shape, although their natural habit is typically preferred.

Q: How close to a building can I plant Blue Italian Cypress?
A: It should be planted at least 3 meters away from buildings to accommodate root growth.

Q: Do Blue Italian Cypress trees need a lot of water?
A: Young trees need regular watering but once established, they are quite drought tolerant.

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