A hardy Australian native cypress with fine, aromatic blue-green foliage and a neat conical to columnar shape. Extremely drought- and heat-tolerant, it makes a tough native windbreak or feature for inland gardens.
At a glance
- Plant type: Tree
- Mature size: 12 m H × 4 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: very drought tolerant once established
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About White Cypress Pine
Botanically, Callitris columellaris is a moderate-growing tree in the Cupressaceae family, native to Australia. It reaches around 12 m tall and 4 m wide at maturity, with evergreen and silver-grey foliage.
Where to grow White Cypress Pine
White Cypress Pine suits warm-temperate, Mediterranean and subtropical climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice.
Soil & planting
White Cypress Pine does best in free-draining and sandy soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in. For a screen, space plants about 2.4 m apart.
Watering & feeding
White Cypress Pine is very drought tolerant once established, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Tip-prune White Cypress Pine in spring to maintain a dense, shapely habit. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using White Cypress Pine in the garden
White Cypress Pine earns its place for a windbreak, a feature or specimen planting and a fast screen or informal hedge.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair White Cypress Pine with other plants that enjoy the same very drought tolerant and warm-temperate climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying White Cypress Pine
Plant Sale lists White Cypress Pine as potted plants and advanced specimens. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.