The Cypress Family - Colorful Evergreen Tree And Shrubs

The Cypress family of evergreen trees and shrubs have unique long skinny leaves. Their leaves are similar in color. Most of the trees and shrubs have variegated tones of yellow and green. This plant family can grow in many different geographic climates. Most do well in zones four through eight. They like full sun but can take part shade. Their branches and leaves represent a free style even though they are considered an upright form.

The Leyland Cypress is the largest member of the family. It is also one of the most popular privacy trees. The Leylands are fast growers and will grow three to four feet a year. They can reach anywhere from 30 to 70 feet tall and fifteen to twenty feet wide. Plant seven to ten feet apart. They can be planted in a straight row or stagger them. Compliment shrubs placed near the Leylands are, evergreen Cleyera, Osmanthus Tea Olive, Indian Hawthorn, or any kind of Holly. A nice touch is to add some some smaller leaf evergreen or a few annual shrubs around any member of the Cypress family.

The Carolina Sapphire, also called Arizona Cypress is another large member. This tree can grow twenty to thirty feet tall and four to six feet wide. The teal color tones set the Sapphire apart from other family members. After a rain storm, their long skinny leaves glisten and have a sparkling look to them. You can top this tree to keep the height under control. The Caorolina is also a good specimen for an area needing privacy. Plant these trees seven to ten feet apart. Good shrubs to put near the Carolina are, a deciduous Winged Euonymus, evergreen Rhododendron, variegated Privet Ligustrum, or a Wintergreen Barberry.

The Green Thread has more of a solid color leaf. It will grow six to eight feet tall and three to five feet wide. The Green Thread will thrive in zones four through eight and will take clay, sandy, or acid base soil. This Shrub looks delightful next to any type of evergreen Nandina, deep green Curly Leaf Ligustrum, Sky Pencil, or deciduous Little Princess Spirea.

The Fernspray is a rich variegated plant. This is a unique specimen of the Cypress family. Fernspray is a slow grower and will reach four to six feet high and three to four feet wide. The branches resemble a look and feel of a oriental garden. The shrub should be planted at least three to four feet apart. Try the Fernspray as a show plant and accent it with softer leaf shrubs such as Soft Touch Holly, Globosa Nana, Azalea, or a Pieris Japonica.

The Lemon Thread is similar in size to the Green Thread. The lemon represents its name as long variegated needle like leaves have a dominant yellow tone. I like to put this shrub as a focal point and surround it with Blue Owl Juniper, one or two Burning Bushes, and a Dwarf Hemlock. This is a great shrub in the winter as the thickness allows birds to stay warm. Birds paradise two simple design has two Lemon Thread Cypress. This shrub is a sure winner in any landscape garden.

The Mop Cypress is a smaller version of a Lemon Thread. The Mop grows three to four feet high and three to four feet wide. The texture of the leaves truly reminds you of a mop. This is one of the most popular plants in the southeastern United States. Looks fantastic next to a Ruby Loropetalum. Great to grow in zones five through eight. Excellent specimen next to Indian Hawthorn, Glove Arborvitae, or any solid color rich shrub. Fire Power Nandina turns red in the winter, and the Mop and Fire Power will compliment each other throughout the colder months.

The Dwarf Hinoki is one of the smaller members of the family. This shrub will grow three to four feet high and two to three feet wide. The branches are shaped in a pyramid form. The color is a solid green and grows great in zones four through eight. I love putting the Dwarf Hinoki in a rock garden, on a slope or bank, around a decorative pond or swimming pool. This dwarf shrub creates a great accent around some evergreen variegated shrubs.

The Variegated Dwarf Hinoki is exactly the same, except for variegated leaves. Both types of Hinoki will show off their texture and color if planted in the front part of a landscape bed. These two specimens are nice to put in the middle of a large planter. Surround the shrub with annual or perennial flowers and put a few ivy plugs on the outside of the planter. The ivy will drape over the edges. Great spot on a deck or patio garden.



The Cypress family is a definite good choice if you are considering privacy, color, easy maintenance, and unique texture. I would highly recommend any of these plants to add to your outdoor investment.