Cupressus sempervirens 'Compacta' (Italian Cypress)

Cupressus sempervirens 'Compacta' (Italian Cypress) is a Cypress cultivar, 'Compacta', valued for its sculptural form and refined evergreen texture in the landscape.

True cypresses are Mediterranean-character evergreens with dense scale-like foliage, often grown as columnar accents, screens, or sculptural specimens. They thrive on heat and lean soils. Tight scale-like foliage in plumes or sprays; aromatic when crushed.

Full sun suits this species best. Plant in well-drained; tolerates dry, lean soils soil. Hardy USDA Zone 6 to 9. Watch for cypress canker (especially in stressed Leyland and Monterey types) and bagworm. Avoid heavy, wet soils; sharp drainage and full sun give the best long-term health.

For a Pacific Northwest native conifer of similar character, consider Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas Fir), the iconic PNW timber tree, or Tsuga heterophylla (Western Hemlock) for shaded sites. For coastal exposure, Picea sitchensis (Sitka Spruce) thrives where salt wind defeats most evergreens.