Growing Lemon Cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa)
The lemony fragrance and golden yellow-to-chartreuse coloring of this Dwarf Evergreen make it an outstanding choice for containers.
Light: Indoors, Lemon Cypress should be close to a window where it will receive at least 6-8 hours a day of direct sun. Enjoy it as a centerpiece or temporary holiday decoration, returning the plant to a sunny window if you wish to keep it growing thereafter.
Temperature: Plants prefer cooler temperatures of 55-65°F. Lemon Cypress prefers cooler temperatures of 55-65°F and benefits from being close to a window on cold winter nights. Situate your plant away from radiators, woodstoves and hot air vents to avoid drying.
Watering: Water when the top 1" of potting mix is dry to the touch, keeping soil lightly, evenly moist. Lemon Cypress resents drying out and may not recover if allowed to become desiccated. We recommend taking the plant to a sink for watering and allowing time for excess water to drain so that it does not collect inside the saucer or decorative outer container; waterlogged soil can cause root rot. Misting or added humidity is beneficial in winter.
Fertilizing: Fertilize your potted plant just once a year, in early spring, using a balanced fertilizer with a 10-10-10 formula.
Continuing Care: Lemon Cypress can be transplanted into a larger pot with drainage holes and a fast-draining soil mixture for long-term growing. We recommend moving your plant to a sunny spot outdoors for the summer (after the danger of hard frost has passed), returning it to a sunny windowsill in fall. Over time, repot if the plant becomes rootbound or difficult to water properly, refreshing the soil mix and upsizing to a slightly larger container. The pot will constrain the size of the plant, but if you live in Zone 7 or warmer, you can grow Lemon Cypress as a larger tree outdoors in the garden. Choose a site that is protected from cold, harsh winds. Although Lemon Cypress prefers full sun, it can tolerate some light shade. It is not fussy about soil but does prefer soil that is on the lean side and very well drained, with a relatively neutral pH. The natural tree form of Lemon Cypress has a narrow columnar habit. Pruning is seldom needed, although the plant can be gently shaped in spring if necessary.
Topiary Care: Your Lemon Cypress Topiary is supported and kept upright by a small stake. Check the ties occasionally and refasten should they constrict the trunk of the plant. As the foliage grows, snip errant branches to maintain an attractive shape. The trunk will not grow taller, although you may let the foliage grow longer if you wish, pruning to keep good proportions of the rounded head.
