What soil does Totem Italian cypress grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, sandy, calcareous.

Is Totem Italian cypress hardy?

Hardy down to -18 °C (USDA zone 6, RHS H6). In the colder parts of the country (Carinthia, Salzburg, Tyrol) it may not survive winter without protection.

How far from the house should Totem Italian cypress be planted?

Plant it at least 1 m from buildings. Keep it at least 1.5 m from paving.

How much water does Totem Italian cypress need?

Water need: low. Drought tolerance: high.

Totem Italian cypress

Cupressus sempervirens 'Totem'

Totem Italian cypress (Cupressus sempervirens 'Totem') is a small tree. Light: full sun. Hardy down to -18 °C. Drought tolerance: high.

Illustration of Totem Italian cypress — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

An extremely slim, dark green form of the Mediterranean cypress that needs hardly any ground yet instantly gives a garden a southern feel. It wants full sun and free-draining soil, lime included, and handles heat and drought well once established. Hard frost and drying winter wind are its weak points, so give it a warm, sheltered spot, ideally in front of a wall.

Watch out for

Hardiness is borderline in Central Europe: below about minus 18 °C, especially in wind and when young, it can die back or be killed, so protect young plants in their first winters. Root rot strikes in wet, poorly drained soil. Cypress canker can kill branches or the whole plant, and spider mites build up in hot dry weather.

Key facts

Light: Full sun
Water need: Low
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 3.5 m × 50 cm
Hardiness: down to -18 °C
Foliage: Evergreen

Group	Small tree
Light	Full sun
Size after 10 years	3.5 m × 50 cm
Ultimate size	4–8 m × 0.5–1 m
Hardiness	down to -18 °C (USDA 6, RHS H6)
Soil	Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous
Foliage	Evergreen
Flowering	no data
Water need	Low
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 1 m
Distance from paving	at least 1.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	80 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	no data
Typical price	no data

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 12, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Drought-tolerant plants Drought-tolerant plants for sandy soil Plants for screening Evergreen plants Small ornamental trees Small trees for beside paths and paving Plants for containers Plants for a Mediterranean garden Fragrant plants

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