Swamp Cypress Tree 100/120cm (2L)

Swamp Cypress – Taxodium distichum is a deciduous conifer with a graceful, upright habit and unusually soft foliage that sets it apart from the evergreen conifers most gardeners know. This specimen is supplied at 100/120cm in a 2L pot, a manageable size that settles in quickly and starts making useful growth within its first couple of seasons.

Native to the river swamps and floodplains of the south-eastern United States, this tree has a rare tolerance for wet ground. It copes happily with soil that stays damp for long periods, making it one of the few large trees worth planting beside a pond, in a low-lying corner of the garden, or on ground that turns boggy over winter. Where the water table is permanently high, mature trees may produce the curious woody “knees” that rise from the roots around the trunk.

The foliage is the main attraction. Flat, needle-like leaves around 1-2cm long are arranged in two neat ranks along slender shoots, creating a feathery, almost fern-like texture. New growth emerges a fresh apple green in spring, deepens through summer, then turns foxy orange-brown and russet in autumn before the whole shoot is shed along with the leaves. In winter the bare framework reveals fibrous, reddish-brown bark that peels in long vertical strips, and a conical outline that broadens with age. Small rounded cones, roughly 2-3cm across, ripen from green to purplish brown on established trees.

Swamp Cypress suits larger gardens, parkland planting, wildlife areas and waterside schemes. It is wind-firm, untroubled by most pests and diseases, and fully hardy throughout Britain.

Care Guide

Plant between autumn and early spring while the tree is dormant, choosing a position in full sun for the best autumn colour and the densest growth. Light shade is tolerated but produces a thinner, drawn habit.

Almost any soil is suitable provided it is not thin chalk, as very alkaline conditions can cause yellowing foliage. Moist, deep, slightly acidic to neutral soil gives the strongest results. Dig a planting hole twice the width of the rootball, tease out any circling roots, and set the tree at the same depth it sat in the pot. Firm in well and stake young trees for the first two or three years in exposed spots.

Water thoroughly every week through the first two growing seasons, particularly during dry spells from May to September. Once established on damp ground, supplementary watering is rarely needed. A 7-10cm mulch of composted bark or leaf mould applied each spring, kept clear of the trunk, will conserve moisture and suppress competing grass.

Feeding is seldom necessary, though a general-purpose fertiliser scattered around the root zone in early spring will help young trees settle. Keep pruning to a minimum, simply taking out dead, damaged or crossing branches in late winter. Avoid cutting back the leading shoot, as this spoils the naturally conical shape. Allow plenty of room at planting, as this is a long-lived tree that increases in stature for many decades.

Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres

Time to ultimate height
More than 50 years

Ultimate spread
4–8 metres

Please note: Decorative pots shown are for display purposes only. Your tree will be supplied in a standard plastic nursery pot shown in the other pictures.