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.
|
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. HUF 9,600 | approx. HUF 7,800 |
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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