Cupressus arizonica Fastigiata

Cupressus arizonica 'Fastigiata' is a fastigiate form of Arizona cypress, with its slender and upright branches forming a narrow, dense and regular column, with a beautiful greenish-blue hue. Fast-growing, this large conifer will become a beautiful specimen in a few years, perfect for marking an entrance, bordering a long alley, or structuring a large space. It is also a hardy and adaptable tree, easy to grow in any well-drained soil, even if calcareous and dry in summer.

Cupressus arizonica, better known as the smooth cypress or blue cypress, is a species of the Cupressaceae family. It is native to the southwest United States and Mexico, particularly Arizona, southwest New Mexico, southern California, and western Texas. It is found in small groups on the slopes of arid mountains in these regions, between 1800 and 2500m (5906ft and 8202ft) altitude, sometimes on very calcareous soils. In nature, Arizona cypress is a medium-sized tree, with a conical to ovoid habit, reaching over 20m (66ft) in height, with a trunk diameter of up to 50cm (20in). The 'Glabra' subspecies, the most commonly cultivated in Europe, is native to central Arizona. It is characterised by its bluish foliage.

'Fastigiata' will reach an average height of 12 to 13m (40 to 43ft) with a spread of 3m (10ft) at maturity. It grows at a rate of about 60cm (24in) per year. The branches of this variety are upright and close to the trunk, which extends upwards like an arrow. The brownish-grey bark cracks and peels with age. The branches bear a dense and healthy foliage, which persists in winter, with a brilliant colour that is a mix of green and bluish-grey, slightly glaucous. It is aromatic and pleasantly fragrant in warm weather. The leaves are scale-like, measuring 2 to 5mm (0.1 to 0.2in) in length, and cover branchlets that are rounded in section, not flattened. The flowering consists of distinct female cones and male cones. The female cones are globose to oblong, measuring from 1.5 to 3.3cm (1in) in length. They are formed by 6 to 14 scales that change from green to grey and grey-brown at maturity, about two years after pollination. They remain closed for several years, only opening after the death of the tree in a fire. The male cones are more subtle, and measure 3 to 5mm (0.1 to 0.2in) in length. They produce pollen in February-March. Its root system is taprooted, allowing it to anchor itself deeply in the soil to draw water and nutrients, and to withstand even strong winds. It has good hardiness in well-drained soil, around -15°C (5°F). However, it is sensitive to waterlogged soils in winter, especially in cold regions.

'Fastigiata' is perfect for highlighting an entrance, or planted as a standalone tree in front of less structured trees. A great choice for dry gardens, even in rocky soil where few trees thrive, its majestic habit and bright foliage make a statement in any garden, whether contemporary, Italian, or Mediterranean style. For example, it can be surrounded by grey foliage plants (Artemisia, lavender, Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Blue Spire', silver mound).

A resistant cypress:

The 'true' Arizona cypress (Cupressus arizonica) mentioned here should not be confused with Cupressus glabra, commonly known as Arizona cypress. While these two species are related, the first one seems to be much less susceptible to cypress canker and the diseases that decimate its hedge cousin, which is often pruned.