Cupressus Sempervirens Totem Italian Cypress

Cupressus Sempervirens Totem
Cupressus Sempervirens is commonly known as the Mediterranean cypress and the Italian Cypress. The variety Totem (from totem pole) is a tight, fast growing extremely narrow columnar evergreen conifer with non-glossy dark green foliage. Totem originated as a seedling in New Zealand around 1984.

Cupressus Sempervirens Totem is commonly known as the Italian Cypress Totem or Mediterranean Cypress Totem. It’s tall and slim growth habit makes this conifer very popular with stylish Italian-themed  gardens.

Mediterranean Cypress Totem is an evergreen conifer hence its botanical name Cupressus Sempervirens – sempervirens being Latin for ‘always alive’. It grows in a pencil column on dark-grey flaky bark and has dark green foliage that’s slightly fragrant in warm sunshine. Its foliage doesn’t change throughout the seasons but remains thick and bushy all year round. The Italian Cypress Totem cultivar has consistently performed well in UK gardens and is a good choice for sheltered gardens that need vertical height without width. 

How Hardy Is Cupressus Sempervirens Totem
Mediterranean Cypress Totem is hardy enough to withstand UK winters down to sub-zero temperatures if it’s planted in free-draining soil, but it needs shelter from harsh winds. Once established it can withstand hot spells and is relatively pest-free.

How To Use Cupressus Sempervirens Totem
Upright Italian Cypress trees are an excellent way to add height to a flat garden. They look good as stand-alone specimens or clustered in the border to achieve height.

When planted in a line they make an elegant screen that doesn’t block out all the light. They also elegantly frame a doorway or avenue with grace and you can use them to block out an unsightly shed or line your garden path.

Totem is happy to grow in a container if it’s sufficiently watered so you can frame your front door with trouble-free year-round greenery

Mediterranean Cypress Totem is also tolerant of saltwater sprays and pollution so it suits coastal gardens and heavily urbanised areas too.

How To Care For Cupressus Sempervirens Totem
Italian Cypress Totem enjoys full sun but it's damaged by harsh, cold winds so plant yours in a sunny spot with shelter.

Totem will grow in most soils and isn’t fussy about pH so long as its roots are well-drained. Apply a thick layer of mulch to the roots each year and water well until its established.

There is no need to prune this upright narrow evergreen but you can cut the leader stem to restrict the height and trim the edges to keep it neat.