Pencil Pines

When it comes to making a statement in your garden, consider Pencil Pines, that pack a punch with their towering heights and evergreen, unique foliage. The species of Cupressus sempervirens originates from the Mediterranean region and is a hardy and popular choice for any garden landscape. Pines or conifers are great for screening, lining driveways or pathways, offering privacy or hedging in low-maintenance gardens. We will walk you through some of the sub-species of these conifers, along with other varieties and how they differ. 

Light requirement: Full sun or part shade.
Water requirement:

Watering frequency: Water regularly to keep soil moist. Applying a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant will help retain soil moisture.
Soil: Well-draining, fertilised soil. 
Skill level: Suits Beginner Green thumb, low-maintenance plant.
Growth rate: Moderate to fast growth. 
Suitable for container gardens: Choose a pot at least twice the size of plant. When roots begin to grow out the bottom of the container, pot up into a larger size.

Seasonality: Evergreen

Drought Tolerant: Yes, once established,
Frost Tolerant: Can tolerate occasional light frost once established. 
Wind Tolerant: Moderately tolerant

Leaf colour: Blue/green needles
Leaf Variegation pattern: No

Size of leaf : Pencil pines or conifers have easily recognisable, uniform stems that radiate in all directions, with scale-like, soft green leaves that are small, round & ovate. Some might think that the branches/leaves on this pine tree resemble coral.

‘Cupressus sempervirens’

Mature Height : up to 15 metres tall
Mature Width: spreads to about 1.5 metres

Flower Colour: Glossy brown to gray when matured, but begin as green.

Flower Shape: Oblong cones are cylindrical, about 2-5mm long. 
Flower Fragrance: No strong fragrance emits from the cones, but pine trees are distinctly fragrant...mmm that fresh pine scent comes from the wood & foliage, and lasts well after the tree has been chopped.
Flower Season: Spring