Swamp Cypress Tree 80/100cm (2L)

Swamp Cypress – Taxodium distichum is a deciduous conifer with a graceful, conical outline and soft, feathery foliage that behaves quite differently from the evergreen conifers most gardeners know. Supplied at 80/100cm in a 2L pot, it is a manageable size for planting out straight away and establishes quickly once its roots reach moist soil.

The appeal of this tree lies in its seasonal changes. Fresh spring growth emerges a bright, light green, arranged in two neat rows along slender shoots that look almost fern-like from a distance. Through summer the canopy deepens to a mid green, casting dappled rather than dense shade. In autumn the whole tree turns a warm russet, foxy orange and copper-brown before the needles and their side shoots drop together, leaving a handsome winter silhouette of fibrous, reddish-brown bark and a straight central trunk.

Native to the river swamps and floodplains of the southeastern United States, the Swamp Cypress is one of very few trees that genuinely thrives in waterlogged ground. Planted beside a pond, stream or in a low-lying corner that stays wet through winter, it copes where most trees would fail. In permanently saturated soil, mature specimens may produce woody “knees” – curious rounded projections that rise from the roots above the water line. On ordinary garden soil that is simply moisture-retentive, the tree grows perfectly well without producing knees at all.

It is a long-lived, wind-firm tree that suits larger gardens, parkland planting, arboretums and wildlife areas. The airy canopy allows underplanting with moisture-loving perennials, and the late leaf fall extends interest well into November in milder parts of the country.

Care Guide

Plant between autumn and early spring while the tree is dormant, choosing an open position in full sun or very light shade. Dig a hole twice the width of the rootball but no deeper, loosen the sides, and firm the soil well without compacting it. Water in thoroughly even if the ground is already damp.

The Swamp Cypress prefers deep, moist to wet, slightly acidic soil, though it tolerates neutral ground and most textures from clay to sandy loam. It dislikes thin, dry chalk and shallow soils that bake in summer. Fully hardy throughout the British climate, it withstands hard frost and exposed conditions once established.

Water generously during the first two or three summers, particularly in dry spells, as young trees are far less drought-tolerant than mature ones. A 7/10cm mulch of composted bark or leaf mould applied each spring will conserve moisture and suppress weeds; keep it clear of the trunk. Feed in early spring with a balanced general fertiliser if growth seems slow.

Pruning is rarely needed. In late winter, take out any damaged or crossing growth along with competing leading shoots, so that a single strong leader is maintained. Stake newly planted trees for the first two seasons in windy sites, then remove the stake to allow the trunk to strengthen naturally. Pests and diseases are very seldom a problem.

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.