Austrian pine and Italian cypress are often considered for the same spot in the garden (specimen, screening). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Pinus nigra 4.5 m × 2.5 m after 10 years
Austrian pine is a large evergreen with stiff, dark green needles, conical when young and broad and umbrella-shaped with age, and it copes well with…
Cupressus sempervirens 3 m × 60 cm after 10 years
The pencil-thin, dark green column that defines Mediterranean landscapes: gardens almost always get the narrow columnar forms, which stay only one…
Austrian pine: We do not recommend it for most Central European gardens.
Austrian pine is hardier: down to -29 °C, against -18 °C for Italian cypress.
|
Feature
|
Austrian pine
|
Italian cypress
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Large tree | Large tree |
| Size after 10 years | 4.5 m × 2.5 m | 3 m × 60 cm |
| Ultimate size | 12–25 m × 6–12 m | 4–20 m × 0.5–2 m |
| Growth rate | Medium | Medium |
| Light | Full sun | Full sun |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic | Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous |
| Hardiness | down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) | down to -18 °C (USDA 6, RHS H6) |
| Foliage | Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Water need | Low | Low |
| Drought tolerance | High | High |
| Maintenance | Medium | Medium |
| Planting distance | 600 cm | 150 cm |
| For children | no data | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| Typical price | approx. €22 | approx. €24 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 13, 2026
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