Italian cypress and Scots pine 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.
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…
Pinus sylvestris 4.5 m × 2.5 m after 10 years
A fast-growing native pine that starts out conical and later forms a loose, umbrella-like crown, with striking orange-red bark on the upper trunk…
Scots pine grows faster than Italian cypress.
Scots pine is hardier: down to -40 °C, against -18 °C for Italian cypress.
Italian cypress tolerates drought better than Scots pine.
Italian cypress needs less water than Scots pine.
Scots pine needs less care than Italian cypress.
Italian cypress is cheaper: about €12 at the size usually planted, against about €45 for Scots pine.
|
Feature
|
Italian cypress
|
Scots pine
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Large tree | Large tree |
| Size after 10 years | 3 m × 60 cm | 4.5 m × 2.5 m |
| Ultimate size | 4–20 m × 0.5–2 m | 10–30 m × 9–15 m |
| Growth rate | Medium | Fast |
| Light | Full sun | Full sun |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous | Average garden soil, Sandy, Acidic, Calcareous, Clay |
| Hardiness | down to -18 °C (USDA 6, RHS H6) | down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Water need | Low | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | High | Medium |
| Maintenance | Medium | Low |
| Planting distance | 150 cm | 600 cm |
| For children | Non-toxic (uncertain) | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| Typical price | approx. €12 | approx. €45 |
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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