Italian Cypress Zone

Native Habitat

• The Italian cypress tree originates from southern Europe to west Asia, including Crete, Rhodes, Turkey and Iran. These areas are classified as Mediterranean climate, which is characterized by mild rainy winter and hot dry summers. These locations receive more rain in the winter than they do freezing weather.

Growing Zones

• Italian cypress trees are considered winter-hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 10. The winter temperatures in USDA zones 9 and 10 rarely fall below freezing. USDA zone 8 receives cold freezing weather occasionally throughout the winter. These trees handle temperatures down to 10 degrees Fahrenheit without extra protection. When planted in a sunny protected location, these trees are known to survive in USDA zone 7, which commonly dips down to freezing throughout the winter.

Growing Conditions

• Italian cypress grows best in full sun exposure but tolerates partial shade in hot climates. Locate this tree in an area with at least six hours of direct sunlight. These ornamental trees prefer well-draining fertile soil. Once this tree is established and growing strongly, it can survive mostly on natural rainfall.

Benefits

• These temperate Mediterranean trees have evolved to tolerate drought conditions, especially in the summer when the weather in their natural habitat dries out. Italian cypress trees tolerate the salty wind in seaside growing climates in mild winter locations. This plant also grows well in cities with high levels of air pollution.