Expert: Jim Hyland - 2/13/2004

Question
I am looking for something to put into very large pots to place around our swimming pool for decorative purposes.  I was at a garden shop yesterday and saw some Italian cyprus and thought they would really look nice.  My question is:  Will they grow and thrive in N.W. Florida (Crestview, FL)?  If so will they be good around the swimming pool?  They would be a few feet away from the water so no danger with pool water/chemicals.  If this tree is not good, could you recommend one?  Thank you.

Answer
I would get dwarf Cypress. they grow about 10-15 feet and are slow growing--would work in a large pot. They will grow good in FL and as long as you are not watering them with the pool water there is no problem. Here are the deatils on the regular It. cypress.

Scientific Name
Cupressus sempervirens

Common Name
Italian cypress

Trees
Plant Fact Sheets
Consumer Hort

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Hardiness Zones: 7-9
Habit: Evergreen  
Growth Rate: Moderate
Site Requirements: Sun; range of soil types
Texture: Medium to fine
Form: Very upright; slender column when young; horizontal branches  
Height: 20 to 30'  
Width: 3 to 5'
Leaf: Dark green foliage
Flower/Fruit: --  
Comments: Blue-green columnar plant; use as accent  
Cultivars: Glauca, Witchita Blue