It’s worth taking care of the small cypress or Norfolk Island pine trees you used for decorations after the holidays. These make excellent, long lasting houseplants and the cypress can go into outdoor containers in the summertime. But many people ask if these plants can be planted in the yard. The answer is, “It depends on where you live.” ”.
Those who live on Cape Cod are just on the edge of where the lemon cypress is hardy. The Cupressus macrocarpa, or “Gold Crest” cypress, plant is said to be hardy in zones 7 to 10, but we know from experience that the plants don’t make it through winters below 10 degrees.
All of the small holiday cypress trees look great in pots, both outside in the summer and inside in the winter. During the winter, grow them in a sunny window. Every couple of weeks, turn the pot so that all sides get sun and the shape stays the same. Keep these trees from drying out too much. During the winter, when your heater is on, you should water them twice a week.
If the tree is still in the plastic pot it came in in May, move it to a clay pot. This will help it to stay upright when the winds blow. It’s better to use organic fertilizer in the soil when you pot the plant than a liquid feed because it will help the plant stay fed.
Place your miniature cypress trees where they will get four to five hours of sunlight each day. When you first put them outside, slowly expose them to direct sunlight. Bring the potted plants back inside in late-September on Cape Cod, before hard frost.
The Norfolk Island pines are even more tender; they are only hardy in zones 10 and 11. These plants are better left indoors all year as they sunburn easily. One more thing you should know about the Norfolk Island pine: don’t use too much fertilizer or move the plant to a bigger pot too quickly. This plant will grow too big for your house faster if you give it a lot of room to grow roots and feed it. Too much root growth can be stopped by only fertilizing with earthworm castings or other mild organics. This will keep it from getting too big too fast.
With its vibrant yellow foliage that resembles the rind of a lemon, the lemon cypress is a stunning ornamental tree for gardens Its graceful, informal shape and ability to thrive in containers make it a prized addition However, there is one big catch for gardeners in colder climates – lemon cypress is not very cold hardy. So can this colorful conifer survive frigid winter temperatures?
Understanding the Lemon Cypress Tree
Before exploring winter care, let’s look at some quick facts about the lemon cypress:
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Botanical Name: ×Chamaecyparis nootkatensis ‘Pendula’
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Also called Nootka false cypress or Alaska cedar
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Native to Alaska and the Pacific Northwest
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Evergreen conifer that can reach 10-40 feet tall
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Bright yellow-green foliage with lacy, weeping branches
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Thrives in full sun to part shade
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Tolerates most well-drained soils
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Requires little pruning or maintenance
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Popular for containers and as ornamental specimens
With its brilliant color and graceful form, it’s easy to see why lemon cypress is coveted. But how cold hardy is this beauty?
Lemon Cypress Winter Hardiness Zone Ratings
Lemon cypress trees are only rated as cold hardy down to USDA plant hardiness zone 7. This means they can withstand winter temps down to 0 to 10°F. Any colder than that and they will suffer damage or dieback.
So if you live in zones 5 or 6 where winter lows drop below zero, your lemon cypress will be in danger. Even in zone 7, additional winter protection is advised.
Protecting Potted Lemon Cypress in Colder Climates
For gardeners north of zone 7, the best way to enjoy lemon cypress is to grow it in a container that can be moved inside for winter. Here are some tips:
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Before first frost, relocate containerized cypress to an unheated garage, porch, or enclosed patio. An attached garage is ideal to allow easy monitoring during winter months.
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Ensure the tree goes dormant before bringing inside. Allow temps to dip into the 30’s for several nights.
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Select the coolest spot available with temps above freezing. Near a sunny window is ideal.
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Maintain even moisture in the potting mix over winter. Don’t let soil totally dry out.
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Run a humidifier nearby to keep humidity around the tree at 40-50%.
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Avoid placing near heat vents or drafty doors that may dry it out.
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Monitor for pests like scale and spider mites which can explode indoors.
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Transition back outside gradually in spring once nights stay above freezing.
With attentive indoor winter care, you can ensure your container-grown lemon cypress survives in northern climates not otherwise suitable.
Attempting to Overwinter Lemon Cypress in the Ground
Gardeners in the colder end of zone 7 or even zone 6 may want to experiment with leaving lemon cypress planted in the landscape over winter. This is risky but possible if using these preparation tips:
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Select the most sheltered location available such as along the leeward side of a structure or wall. This blocks wind.
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Provide winter mulch to insulate the roots. Apply 4-6 inches of shredded bark around the base.
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Water well in late fall so soil won’t completely freeze. Aim to keep moisture present.
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Consider wrapping the trunk and main branches in burlap or insulation.
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Prune lightly in early fall to reduce sail effect from winds.
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Be prepared to protect with blankets or frames if extreme cold sets in.
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Avoid fertilizing late in season to keep growth slowed for dormancy.
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Keep an eye on soil moisture with periodic watering if ground isn’t frozen.
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Uncover in spring once temperatures have stabilized above freezing.
Even with these measures, dieback or complete death of the above-ground growth is still likely during harsh winters. But the roots may survive to resprout new shoots come spring. It’s an experiment only worth attempting if your lemon cypress tree is well established.
Growing Lemon Cypress in Warmer Winter Climates
Gardeners in zones 8 and above can grow lemon cypress without any special winter protection. Just follow these general care guidelines:
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Select a site with full sun to light shade and well-draining soil.
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Water 1-2 times weekly during dry periods for the first season. Then reduce to only during drought once established.
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Apply a thin layer of mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
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Prune only to shape or remove dead branches. Avoid heavy shearing.
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Watch for pests like spider mites, scale, and borers. Treat promptly if spotted.
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Fertilize at half strength in early spring if desired to boost new growth.
With the right location that avoids harsh winter winds and freezing temps, lemon cypress will thrive in warmer zones without any coddling!
Signs of Cold Damage in Lemon Cypress Trees
If your lemon cypress tree experiences freezing winter temperatures, you may see:
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Browning and dropping of foliage, starting from the tips and moving inward
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Death of smaller branch tips, leaving main branches bare
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Splitting of bark and damage to the trunk
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Failure of new growth to emerge in spring
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Complete death of above-ground portions while roots remain alive
Even a few degrees below the ideal can cause unsightly damage. Act promptly if dieback occurs by pruning out all dead wood to improve appearance and encourage new growth.
Caring for Lemon Cypress After Winter Damage
If your lemon cypress experienced dieback over winter, here are some revitalization tips for spring:
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Prune out all dead branches or foliage, cutting back to just above live wood.
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Rake up all fallen debris from around the base.
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Scrub the trunk and branches with a soft brush to remove loose bark.
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Apply a fertilizer high in phosphorus to stimulate new growth.
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Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy through spring and summer.
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Stake up any heavy limbs that are bending from damage.
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Be patient! Recovery happens slowly over the entire growing season.
With attentive care and favorable weather, even a severely damaged lemon cypress may rebound with time. But prevention is easier with proper winter protection.
Is Lemon Cypress Worth Attempting in Colder Climates?
The vibrant color and fine texture of lemon cypress makes it a coveted landscape tree. However, its lack of cold hardiness severely limits its growing range. Attempting to overwinter it in the ground in zones 6 and colder is risky.
For gardeners in chilly climates willing to provide winter protection, the beauty and uniqueness of lemon cypress make it worth trying in containers. Or opt for more cold hardy alternatives like Arborvitae or Yellowwood. With so many amazing trees to pick from, don’t agonize over one not ideally suited for your region.
Alternative Yellow-Foliage Trees for Cold Climates
If vibrant yellow tree foliage appeals to you but lemon cypress isn’t hardy for your area, consider these options instead:
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Arborvitae – Multiple yellow-hued cultivars available, hardy to zone 3
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Yellowwood – Gorgeous golden bark on mature trees, hardy to zone 4
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Dawn Redwood – Feathery yellow foliage turns bronze in fall, zone 5
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Black Locust – Sunny yellow flowers in spring on hardy zone 4 tree
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Paper Birch – Stunning yellow fall foliage on white bark trees, zone 2 hardy
Don’t despair if lemon cypress won’t survive your winters. One of these stellar substitutes will brighten up your landscape with golden color instead!
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Lemon Cypress Indoor Care Guide! // Garden Answer
FAQ
How cold can Lemon Cypress handle?
How do you winterize Lemon Cypress?
Can Lemon Cypress live outside?
How hardy is Lemon Cypress?
Can lemon cypress trees survive a freeze?
Lemon cypress trees should always be protected during a freeze. As winter comes, plan to repot or place your outdoor “Goldcrest” inside, as it easily transforms into a beloved houseplant. Lemon cypress plants won’t stand a chance outside in winter, as temperatures below freezing will not preserve them.
Can a lemon cypress grow in winter?
Doing so will provide the new system of roots with ample time to grow prior to the onset of winter. Lemon cypress trees should always be protected during a freeze. As winter comes, plan to repot or place your outdoor “Goldcrest” inside, as it easily transforms into a beloved houseplant.
Can lemon cypress trees grow indoors?
In spring, it’s time to feed the tree. Apply a standard, slow-release 20-20-20 fertilizer before new growth appears in the spring. If you decide to start growing lemon cypress trees indoors as houseplants, remember that they do best with cool indoor temperatures. Keep your thermostat in the low 60’s (15-16 C.) during winter.
Do lemon cypress trees need a lot of sunlight?
Indoor lemon cypress trees should be situated where they will receive five to six hours of sunlight a day. Where they are winter hardy, lemon cypress trees can be kept outdoors in a container or planted into the ground. This is the best way to preserve a lemon cypress for many years.
Are lemon cypress trees hardy?
Adaptable and hardy, lemon cypress trees thrive in USDA zones 7-10. They prefer full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a range of soil types as long as the soil is well-draining. While they are suited for outdoor planting in temperate climates, they can also be grown indoors as houseplants, provided they receive ample light.
Do lemon cypress trees need watering?
Young lemon cypress trees need regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist. However, it’s essential to avoid waterlogging as it can lead to root rot. A practical approach is to water the tree once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.