Description and features of the Lawson cypress species, top-10 tree varieties

Plants and Trees Editor 16489

Cypress is an evergreen coniferous tree that grows up to 70 meters under natural conditions. This tree has a dense pyramidal crown and brown-brown bark. The needle-shaped needles in young plants take on a scale-like shape with age. The cypress, in contrast to the cypress, has flat branches and small cones, which contain only 2 seeds under each scale. These trees are more frost-resistant than cypress (pea cypress can withstand 25-degree frosts). Dwarf cypress species are widespread among conifer lovers because of their decorative appeal. These trees do not require complex maintenance and can be grown not only in the garden, but also indoors.

Dimensions (edit)

Lawson's cypress is a short tree, the height of which does not exceed 3.5 meters. It has a compact crown with a diameter of no more than 120 cm. The crown has the shape of a cone. The color of the needles is green with a bluish tint. The species has a slow annual growth, which does not exceed 5 cm. The branches of the plant grow upward.

The title photo shows Lawson's cypress, 'Globus' cultivar.

The difference between cypress and cypress is that this culture is considered more frost-resistant. There are also differences in the appearance of the crops: the cypress has flat branches, and there are also small cones that contain two seeds under each scale.

Lawson's cypress is native to North America. This tree is considered the most beautiful of all cypress varieties.

general characteristics

Columnaris is an evergreen plant with a straight trunk 5-10 m high. It has a narrow columnar shape, upward taut and thin shoots, which are formed by small branches 10 cm long.

The diameter of the crown of an adult cypress tree reaches 2 m, and the average growth in width reaches 10 cm. The color of the needles varies from green to brownish (but in the Columnaris Glauka variety it is blue).

The root system is strong, branched, which allows it to cling tightly to any soil.

Varieties

This type of cypress has the largest variety of varietal varieties.

Elwoodi (C. L. Ellwoodii) - This is one of the most common varieties. This is a short tree with a compact conical crown. Shoots are directed vertically upwards. They are covered with thin blue-green scales. During the autumn-winter period, the needles are distinguished by a steel shade. The maximum height of an adult specimen is 3 meters. The variety is resistant to frost, but requires shelter for the winter, does not like winds. Perfect in flower gardens in the background, goes well with roses, and is also grown in large flowerpots.

Elwoody

Ellwoodii Empire - low culture. An adult plant can be up to 3 meters high. The crown is conical, compact. Shoots grow vertically upward. The color of the needles is green with a blue tint. The variety is resistant to frost, pests and diseases. The variety is good in the background in flower beds, in group plantings, in rock gardens. Also, the variety is often used to form hedges.

Elwoody Empire

Elwoodi Pilar (C. L. Ellwoodii Pillar) Is an unpretentious low culture.The maximum height of an adult specimen is 2.5 meters. The crown is conical, lends itself well to formative pruning. The needles are green with a bluish tint. Young shoots are bluish in color. The buds are small and bluish in color. The variety winters well, has a high resistance to pests. It is used for growing in flower beds, in mixed compositions and for decorating hedges.

Elwoody Pilar

Minima Glauca (C. L. Minima Glauca) - This is a low plant with a crown that has a spherical shape. Grows up to 2 meters. The crown diameter also does not exceed 2 meters. The crown is compact and dense. The needles are represented by green scales with a bluish tint. Annual growth is no more than 10 cm. It is a frost-resistant, light-loving variety. Often used for planting in the background of flower beds, used in mixed plantings and for creating hedges.

Minima Glauka

Yvonne (C. L. Ivonne) Is a popular varietal variety with a yellow crown. An adult plant reaches a height of no more than 3 meters. The branches grow vertically upward. The needles are represented by scales that are yellow or golden in color. With the onset of winter, the color of the needles does not change. Cones are small pink or yellow. The brown bark of the trunk has a reddish tint. It is a light-requiring frost-resistant variety. In winters with little snow, it can freeze slightly, while the color of the needles changes to orange. It is used for the formation of hedges, also used in mixed compositions.

Yvonne

Columnaris (C. L. Columnaris) Is a decorative culture. The tree can grow up to 10 meters. A 10-year-old specimen has a height of about 3 meters. In a year, the shrub adds about 20 cm in height. The crown of the tree is narrow and has a columnar shape. The shoots are directed upwards, the needles are represented by scales. The scales are colored blue-gray. It is a frost-resistant, light-requiring variety. Scope of application in landscape design: single and group plantings, decoration of hedges.

Columnaris

C. L. White Spot - decorative low tree. The height of a ten-year-old tree does not exceed 2 meters. It grows slowly, in a year it grows no more than 15 cm in height. The branches are thin, characterized by strong branching. They are covered with thin green scales with a bluish tint. Young shoots are highlighted in white, becoming green closer to winter. Cones have a spherical crown and a reddish tint. Perfect for dense hedges and mixed plantings.

White Spot

Pelts Blue (C. L. Pelt`s Blue) Is a spectacular ornamental shrub. The height of an adult specimen is about 3 meters. Crown shape is columnar, shoots grow vertically upwards. This is a blue varietal variety of cypress. The needles are represented by scales that have a deep blue color. The variety tolerates winters well, prefers open places. Suitable for single and group plantings, used for the formation of hedges.

Aluminum (C. L. Alumii) Is an ornamental coniferous culture. Its height can reach 15 meters. Young specimens are distinguished by a dense columnar crown, while adults are narrow, in the form of a cone. Shoots are dense, strongly expanding, growing vertically upward. The needles are thick and soft. The color of the needles is bluish. Closer to winter, it becomes gray with a blue tint. The variety prefers well-lit areas, is resistant to frost and pests. Aluminum can be used for planting in mixed compositions, single plantings, as well as for the formation of hedges.

Aluminum

Elwoodi Gold Pillar (C. L. Ellwoodii Golp Pillar) Is a low decorative culture. Usually the height does not exceed 1 meter.The diameter of the conical or spherical crown is about 1 meter. It grows rather slowly. The needles are represented by soft green scales with a slight yellow tint. The variety is used for planting in rock gardens, in large flowerpots and in group plantings.

Elwoody Gold Pillar

Cream Glau (C. L. Cream Glow) - an attractive varietal variety. Height - no more than 2 meters. The diameter of the pyramidal crown is about 1 meter. The branches are dense, growing vertically upward. The color of the scaly needles is green with a golden sheen. The variety looks spectacular in mixed plantings next to dark green crops. The plant prefers the sun, it is resistant to frost.

Cream Glau

Stardust (C. L. Statdust) Is a coniferous culture. The maximum height is 10 meters. The crown is loose, it is a wide cone or pyramid. Diameter - up to 4 meters. The branches are dense, strongly expanding. Annual growth is about 25 cm in height. The needles are represented by soft and dense green-yellow scales. In the shade, the needles take on a rich green color with a slight golden tint. The scope of application in landscape design is wide: group and single plantings, mixed landscape compositions, hedges.

Stardust

Alumigold (C. L. Alumigold) - decorative compact variety, its height is no more than 3 meters. The crown is represented by thin branches that grow densely and densely. They are covered with small golden scales. Subsequently, the needles become green-yellow. The crown is narrow, cone-shaped. The variety is distinguished by its rapid growth - up to 25 cm per year. This is a frost-resistant variety, however, in winters that are too cold and with little snow, the shrub can freeze slightly, while the color turns orange.

Alumigold

Golden Wonder (C. L. Golden Wonder) Is a short, slender tree. The height of a ten-year-old specimen does not exceed 2 meters. Differs in a compact, conical crown. Branches are dense, strongly branched. The needles have a golden yellow color, represented by dense scales. With the onset of winter, the needles retain their color. Suitable for planting in multi-contrast compositions, as well as for the formation of hedges.

Golden Wonder

Blue Surprise (C. L. Blue Surprise) - a spectacular blue variety of Lawson's cypress. Height - up to 3.5 meters. The dense pyramidal crown has a diameter of no more than 1.5 meters. Shoots grow vertically upward. Scaly needles are distinguished by a deep blue color with a silvery sheen. The variety is resistant to frost. Ideal for mixed plantings and hedges.

Blue Surprise

Snow White (C. L. Snow white) Is a decorative dwarf varietal species. Its height does not exceed 120 cm. The crown has a diameter of about 60 cm. The crown has the shape of an oval or a wide oval. The color of the needles is green-blue with a silvery sheen. Young growth is bright green. Annual growth is no more than 6 cm in height. The variety is suitable for growing in rock gardens, rocky gardens, as well as in containers.

Snow White

Globoza (C. L. Globoza) - This is a dwarf varietal variety of culture. The height of the shrub is no more than 1.5 meters. The diameter of the crown is up to 60 cm. The crown has a spherical shape. Branches are short, strongly branched. The color of the scaly needles is light green. This variety prefers to grow in sunny areas. Suitable for curb shaping and also looks good in mixed plantings.

Globoza

Lane (C. L. Lane) - a variety of Lawson cypress. The maximum tree height is 8 meters. The crown is narrow, columnar. Shoots are thin, branching densely. The needles are represented by scales that have a golden-greenish color. The variety prefers the sun, tolerates winter well. Good in single and group plantings, and also suitable for the formation of hedges.

Lane

Description of Lawson's cypress

Lawson's cypress is native to California, North America. Occurs on mountain slopes, in river valleys. The main characteristics of the Lawson cypress (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana) are shown in the table.

Lawson cypress height

The height of the Lawson cypress directly depends on the place of its growth. Under natural conditions in their homeland, in California and Oregon, trees often reach a height of 70-75 m. In our country, this plant can reach a height of no more than 20 m. A significant part of the cultivated varieties are much lower. Decorative forms of Lawson's cypress grow no more than 2-3 m.

Winter hardiness of Lawson cypress

Lawson's cypress does not tolerate cold very well, therefore, it can be grown on the territory of Russia only in the southernmost regions. These trees are sensitive not only to the ambient temperature, but also to the climate in general. In addition, the plants need good maintenance.

Landing

In order for the cultivation of a crop to be successful, you need to choose the right site for planting a tree. Cypress prefers to grow in well-lit, sunny places or in partial shade... At the same time, the site must be protected from drafts and winds.

Important! Shrubs with yellow needles are best planted in sunny areas, and with green and blue needles in partial shade.

Cypress loves high air humidity, and therefore the ideal option would be to plant near a reservoir.

The culture prefers fertile soil, with the addition of a significant amount of peat. Also, it will not be superfluous to add humus and sand. The soil must be water-permeable, since stagnant moisture is fraught with root rot.

Care

The culture needs regular and abundant watering. In normal, not too hot weather, pour out for one plant, one bucket of water once a week... In hot weather, you will need to increase the number of waterings up to 2 times a week. In addition, in extreme heat, it is recommended to spray the plant.

The soil around the plant must be loosened regularly and weeds must be removed. Mulching of the soil is desirable. Peat or wood chips are suitable as mulch.

Cypress tolerates pruning, including shaping... It is advisable to prune the shrub two years after planting. Pruning is necessary in the spring. At the same time, old, dried branches are also removed. Pruning stimulates the growth of new shoots and also gives the plant a decorative appearance.

How to care

Caring for this culture is simple and even a beginner can do it. In the first weeks, the seedlings should be shaded from the scorching sun rays, so they will not burn or dry out. Closer to dinner, burlap, agrofibre or an awning are pulled over them.

Watering

Systematic hydration will help the ephedra to take root faster - it is carried out every week for two months. Then they water it as needed - if the soil has dried out to a depth of 5-6 cm, it's time to moisten it.

Mature trees are moistened not so often - four times per season is enough, provided that the summer is dry. The amount of water for one copy is 40-45 liters.

This variety loves frequent sprinkling of the crown, which has a beneficial effect on its decorative effect and health. Water washes away all dirt and harmful insects. The procedure is carried out in the evening, no more than twice a month.

Loosening and mulching

The first procedure helps to maintain a light and loose soil structure, which contributes to the full access of moisture, oxygen and nutrients to the roots. Spend the next day after watering.

Mulching is necessary to avoid evaporation of moisture, and also prevents the growth of unnecessary vegetation in the garden. The near-trunk zone is spud with a thick layer of peat, coniferous sawdust or garden soil.

It is also important to keep the site clean - remove weeds in time, weed the aisles. Such measures will help to avoid contamination of plants with diseases and pests.

Top dressing

Top dressing improves the appearance of the plant

Top dressing stimulates growth and development, increases winter hardiness, disease resistance and provides high decorativeness throughout the year. The first food is carried out in the third year of life.

Root nutrition is combined with watering to increase the absorption of nutrients.

Let's consider the procedure scheme in the table.

Additionally, the crown is irrigated with chelating preparations - Epin or Epin-extra. After such treatments, the plant develops better, retains its natural color and is protected from harmful insects. Sprinkling is carried out three times per season.

Pruning

This tree naturally develops a regular, dense and compact crown, so it does not need shaping. Some twigs growing inward, at the wrong angle, or to the sides can be trimmed to give the cypress a smoother shape.

It is allowed to cut 2-3 cm in length, otherwise the plant will get stress and die.

Every spring, dried, yellowed, frozen and disease-damaged shoots are cut out, since they are the source of the appearance of infections and parasites.

After pruning, the crown is sprayed with a solution of copper sulfate. For a quick recovery after an hour, irrigate with Epin's solution.

Preparing for winter

The first three years after planting, ephedra can freeze and die, because they have a weak frost resistance.

To avoid this, a month before the onset of autumn frosts, the hilling of the near-trunk zone and the covering of the above-ground part with spruce branches, burlap or agrofibre are carried out. Under the breathable material, they will not suffocate and will safely survive the most severe and lingering frosts.

They remove the insulation in the spring, when the snow melts and the last frosts pass. From the age of four, the cypress is not insulated. In snowy winters, it is necessary to periodically shake off the crown so that the branches do not break off under the weight of the snow.

Difficulties and problems of growing

Very often there are situations when the cypress of Lawson Elwoodi dries up or withers. What to do? The plant can still be saved, albeit extremely problematic. This usually happens when grown at home.

The main reasons are dry air in the room, too high temperatures. Unfortunately, it is not always possible and not for everyone to grow a beautiful and healthy cypress tree in indoor conditions. Therefore, in such situations, it is necessary to increase the humidity of the air, to provide the plant with regular spraying and watering. At home, the plant winters well at fairly low (about 10-15 degrees) temperatures. The cypress cannot stand the heat.

If Lawson's cypress turned yellow after winter, then probably the culture received a spring burn, this is very common.

Biostimulants, for example, Epin, will also help.

Root system decay is also likely, so you may have to get the plant out of the soil and examine the root system for rot.

A gardener under the nickname Mountelf on one of the forums claims that the possibility of burning out in the spring sun of the cypress Lawson Elwoodi is more likely than its freezing in winter.

Wintering

When growing a plant in central Russia or in the northern regions of the cypress preferably sheltered for the winter... Spruce branches can be used as a shelter.

Despite the good winter hardiness of the varieties, it should be remembered that Lawson's cypress itself can withstand temperatures down to -29 degrees and not lower.

So, a gardener from central Russia, at one of the horticultural forums under the nickname Margola, claims that the probability of freezing a plant in winter is very high, despite some positive growing experiences. First, it is necessary to cover the plants with snow and cover them with spruce branches. In addition, the plant must be protected from cold winds, otherwise the death of the culture is inevitable. In any case, the culture will grow better in the garden than at home.

Reproduction

The plant propagates easily with seeds, cuttings or cuttings. Seeds are mainly propagated by wild-growing forms, since the varietal trait of seedlings cannot be determined because of the crown that has not yet formed. Seeds harvested in autumn are dried at 45 ° C and stored in a tightly closed container at temperatures above 5 ° C. Planting is carried out in boxes with a mixture of earth and compost, sprinkling the seeds with a substrate containing minerals. Sowing is carried out in December, placing boxes in the basement until spring. At the beginning of April, the first shoots appear, which are first taken out into the street in a box for adaptation, and planted in the ground after warming.

Vegetative propagation of these trees is possible. To do this, in the spring or early summer, an incision is made in the bark, which is sprinkled with earth or pressed down with a stone. During the rooting period, the soil is regularly watered abundantly. By the end of summer, layers will appear, which are separated from the mother plant in spring.

Most often, reproduction is carried out using cuttings, which are best rooted during the period of increasing plant growth energy - from April to May. For cuttings, it is better to choose small branches from the middle of the plant. As a root formation stimulator, you can use a 5% sugar solution or preparations specially designed for these purposes (NB101, humate, root). Cuttings are planted in a loose substrate. With proper care, which consists in maintaining an even room temperature and the necessary humidity, roots will form in a couple of months.

Application in landscape design

Lawson's cypress is used for single and group plantings. Looks very good on the background in flower beds. It can be used in multi-contrast compositions.

But more often the cypress is used for creating high and low hedges, for decorating alleys (especially dwarf varieties).

Cypress can be grown next to artificial and natural reservoirs in the garden area, and can also be used to decorate rock gardens, rocky and Japanese gardens.

Photo:

A hedge of cypress trees of different colors.

Cypress Stardust looks very impressive in flower beds with mixed plantings with flower and shrub crops.

Lawson's cypress on the trunk.

Where can one buy

You can buy seedlings in a hypermarket, gardening stores, and nurseries. It is best to purchase seedlings from nurseries. Some people prefer to order through online stores.