Cupressus sempervirens ‘Stricta’ – Italian Pencil Pine

$400.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size: 50cm

50cm

All stock is grown, maintained and graded in strict accordance with AS 4373-2007, Australian Standard for Nursery Stock.

Current Stock Height Guides

50cm: 1.6m – 1.9m Approx.

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you mustconfirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 10–15 metres

Mature Width: 1–2 metres

Cupressus sempervirens ‘Stricta’ – Italian Pencil Pine is expected to grow 40 – 60 cm per year (moderate–fast).

Root Ball Dimensions (Height & Width)

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 / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (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)

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Shipping Cost

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Email: sales@evergreentrees.com.au

Phone: (03) 7042 3318

VOLUME DISCOUNTS

10% off orders over $1,000
15% off orders over $2,000
20% off orders over $7,500

Discounts Apply Automatically At Checkout

About Your New Cupressus sempervirens ‘Stricta’ – Italian Pencil Pine

Cupressus sempervirens 'Stricta', the Italian Pencil Pine, is a classic evergreen conifer distinguished by its very narrow columnar form. The dense dark green foliage is aromatic when crushed and held tightly against upright tapering stems.

Italian Pencil Pine grows to 10-15 metres tall while staying just 1-2 metres wide, making it one of the most effective vertical accents available. The slim form is ideal for framing entrances, lining driveways and avenues, and creating strong architectural lines in formal and Mediterranean-style gardens.

Italian Pencil Pine has a moderate to fast growth rate and is highly drought tolerant once established. It thrives in full sun and adapts to a wide range of well-drained soils, including sandy and poor types. It is frost hardy, wind tolerant, low maintenance, and long-lived.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Cupressus sempervirens 'Stricta' Italian Pencil Pine

How tall does the Italian Pencil Pine grow?

Cupressus sempervirens 'Stricta' grows to 10-15 metres tall while staying just 1-2 metres wide.

How fast does the Italian Pencil Pine grow?

The Italian Pencil Pine has a moderate to fast growth rate, adding 40-60cm per year once established.

Is the Italian Pencil Pine suitable for narrow spaces?

Yes. At just 1-2 metres wide, the Italian Pencil Pine is one of the best trees for narrow spaces, framing entrances, and tight vertical accents.

Does the Italian Pencil Pine need pruning?

No. The Italian Pencil Pine holds its narrow columnar shape naturally and needs little to no pruning.

Is the Italian Pencil Pine drought tolerant?

Yes. The Italian Pencil Pine is highly drought tolerant once established and ideal for Mediterranean-style and low-water gardens.

How far apart should I plant the Italian Pencil Pine for a row?

Plant 1-1.5 metres apart for a tight columnar row, or 2-3 metres for individual feature spacing.

Where does the Italian Pencil Pine grow best in Australia?

The Italian Pencil Pine thrives across most Australian climates in full sun with well-drained soil, tolerating heat, drought, and frost.

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

Features and Benefits

Organically certified product
Improves aeration for roots
A rich blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, Gypsum, composted coarse bark and wetting agent
Excellent to mix with heavy clay soils, an organic mixture with added gypsum which is perfect for exotic plants
Revitalises tired soils, adds nutrient and organic matter, no chemical additives, weed free
Assists in retaining moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering

Directions For Use

Water plant well at least several hours prior to planting.
Dig a hole at least twice the width of the pot and 7cm deeper than the pot.
Mix Grow Better Enriched Planting Mix with the soil that has been dug out of the hole, adding about 1/3 planting mix.
Spread a 7cm layer of improved soil in the hole and remove plant from the pot. Tease roots gently if the root ball is very firm and place plant in the planting hole. Check that pot soil is level with the surrounding soil surface level, not higher or lower.
Fill in the hole with improved soil mixture, firm down soil and water well adding Grow Better Plant Starter to final watering.

View full details

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Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

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Uses in my Garden

Avenue Planting
Screening or Privacy
Council or Civic Landscapes

Cupressus sempervirens ‘Stricta’ – Italian Pencil Pine works in an:

Formal Garden – structured, symmetrical design with clipped shapes.
Mediterranean Style Garden – timeless courtyard look with stone, pots, and bold greenery.
Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

Is Cupressus sempervirens ‘Stricta’ – Italian Pencil Pine Evergreen or Deciduous?

Cupressus sempervirens ‘Stricta’ – Italian Pencil Pine is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 10–15 metres

Mature Width: 1–2 metres

Cupressus sempervirens ‘Stricta’ – Italian Pencil Pine is expected to grow 40 – 60 cm per year (moderate–fast).

Growth Rate of Cupressus sempervirens ‘Stricta’ – Italian Pencil Pine

Cupressus sempervirens ‘Stricta’ – Italian Pencil Pine is expected to grow 40 – 60 cm per year (moderate–fast).

They are considered to have a:

Medium Growth Rate

Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Cupressus sempervirens ‘Stricta’ – Italian Pencil Pine

Is Cupressus sempervirens ‘Stricta’ – Italian Pencil Pine frost tolerant?

Cupressus sempervirens ‘Stricta’ – Italian Pencil Pine is Frost Tolerant – Can handle light to moderate frost once established.

Does Cupressus sempervirens ‘Stricta’ – Italian Pencil Pine Flower?

Cupressus sempervirens ‘Stricta’ produces small, inconspicuous male and female cones rather than showy flowers. These subtle reproductive structures sit along the slim, upright branchlets and are not considered ornamental, forming only a quiet part of its natural cycle.

Does Cupressus sempervirens ‘Stricta’ – Italian Pencil Pine flower?

No - Doesn't Flower

Flowering Period:

Not Applicable

Flower Type:

Not Applicable

Flower Colour:

Not Applicable

Is Cupressus sempervirens ‘Stricta’ – Italian Pencil Pine an Australian Native Tree?

No

Cupressus sempervirens ‘Stricta’ – Italian Pencil Pine is Native to The Mediterranean region, particularly Italy, Greece, and Turkey, where it grows in dry, rocky hillsides and cultivated landscapes.

What is the Wildlife Value of Cupressus sempervirens ‘Stricta’ – Italian Pencil Pine ?

Its dense, columnar evergreen canopy provides valuable nesting and roosting habitat for small birds, while the cones support insects and seed-feeding wildlife. The tight branching also creates sheltered micro-habitats that strengthen biodiversity in structured and Mediterranean-style gardens.

How much Sunlight does Cupressus sempervirens ‘Stricta’ – Italian Pencil Pine need?

Cupressus sempervirens ‘Stricta’ – Italian Pencil Pine will thrive best in:

Full Sun

Preferred Soil?

Cupressus sempervirens ‘Stricta’ performs best in well-drained sandy or loam soils and tolerates slightly acidic to slightly alkaline conditions. It can struggle in heavy clay or waterlogged ground unless improved with organic matter and coarse material to increase drainage. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then shift to deep, occasional watering as the tree matures to support its exceptional drought performance and iconic upright silhouette.

Is Cupressus sempervirens ‘Stricta’ – Italian Pencil Pine Drought Tolerant?

Is Cupressus sempervirens ‘Stricta’ – Italian Pencil Pine Drought tolerant?

As a young tree it requires regular watering, but once established ‘Stricta’ develops excellent drought tolerance. It thrives in hot, dry, coastal and exposed environments, maintaining its narrow, architectural form with minimal supplementary watering.

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How To Plant Your Cupressus sempervirens ‘Stricta’ – Italian Pencil Pine

Select a sunny, open site with well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball.
Backfill with soil improved with compost if required.
Water thoroughly after planting and mulch around the base.
Stake young trees until they establish a strong root system.

Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Cupressus sempervirens ‘Stricta’ – Italian Pencil Pine

Hedging & Screening: Space 1 – 1.5 m apart (for tall screens)
Feature Planting: Space 2 – 3 m apart
Avenue Planting: Space 2.5 – 4 m apart

Cupressus sempervirens ‘Stricta’ – Italian Pencil Pine is expected to grow 40 – 60 cm per year (moderate–fast).

Medium Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Cupressus sempervirens ‘Stricta’ – Italian Pencil Pine

Water regularly during establishment, then only in extended dry periods.
Fertilise annually in spring with a balanced slow-release fertiliser.
Minimal pruning is required, but can be clipped to form dense screens.

Planting Your Cupressus sempervirens ‘Stricta’ – Italian Pencil Pine in Different Soil

Sandy soils: Grows well with regular watering during establishment.
Loamy soils: Ideal growth with minimal maintenance.
Clay soils: Performs if drainage is improved; avoid heavy, waterlogged sites.
Coastal soils: Tolerates light salt exposure in sheltered positions.
Poor soils: Hardy but benefits from enrichment with compost and fertiliser.