Mountain Cypress

The Mountain Cypress is a rare and exotic-looking conifer from Southern Africa that is suitable for the milder, coastal regions of the UK. It is a fast-growing, multi-stemmed shrub or small tree with fine, feathery foliage that resembles a mix between a Juniper and a Tamarisk. The foliage is a delicate grey-green, providing a soft, misty appearance in the garden. This species is unique among conifers for its ability to resprout from the base after a fire or hard pruning, making it quite resilient in a garden setting. It produces small, woody cones that are quite ornamental. In the UK, it needs a very well-drained soil and a warm, sunny, sheltered spot to thrive. It is not suitable for cold, inland areas as it is only hardy down to about -5°C, but it is an excellent and unusual choice for a Mediterranean-style garden or a sheltered courtyard in the South of England or West Wales. Its light, airy habit makes it a lovely contrast to broader-leaved evergreens.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Very well-drained, poor soil.

Hardiness: H3 — down to −5°C.

Flowering: Mar, Apr.