Species

Cupressus sempervirensItalian Cypress

1 other cultivar

‘Glauca’Glauca Italian Cypress

tree

Swane's Golden Pencil Pine

Cupressus sempervirens 'Swane's Golden'

The Story

Plant Bio

Cupressus sempervirens, the Mediterranean cypress, is a strictly columnar evergreen conifer native to the eastern Mediterranean region and parts of North Africa. It features dense, upright branching and scale-like foliage, producing small, inconspicuous male and female cones in spring.

'Swane's Golden' is a slow-growing cultivar distinguished by its tight, fastigiate form and bright golden-yellow foliage flecked with deeper gold tips on new growth. It maintains its vibrant coloration throughout the year when grown in full sun.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a striking, narrow vertical accent with year-round golden foliage, ideal for formal entryways and tight spaces.

Serves as an effective, low-maintenance windbreak or privacy screen when planted in closely spaced rows.

Offers dense, evergreen nesting and roosting cover for small songbirds during the winter months.

SpeciesCupressus sempervirensItalian Cypress

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

236"

Width

39"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Eastern Mediterranean, North Africa

Toxicity

Mildly toxic to pets

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site that receives full sun throughout the day to ensure optimal foliage density and color intensity.
Ensure the soil is exceptionally well-draining, as the root system is highly intolerant of waterlogged or chronically wet conditions.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and plant at the same depth as the container, backfilling with native soil.
Water deeply to establish the root system, then reduce frequency to allow the soil to dry out between waterings.

Pro Tip

Never prune heavily into old, leafless brown wood, as the plant lacks the ability to back-bud and regenerate from bare timber.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in a location with excellent air circulation to minimize the risk of fungal cankers.
Apply a light, slow-release balanced fertilizer in early spring to support new growth.
Perform light tip-pruning or shearing in late winter or summer to maintain a formal shape.

Don't

Do not overwater or plant in low-lying areas where water collects, which triggers Phytophthora root rot.
Do not prune back into the bare, brown interior wood, as it will not regrow.
Do not plant in deep shade, which causes the foliage to lose its golden hue and thin out.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Formal gardensSpecimen plantingNarrow screensDriveway bordersMediterranean-themed landscapes

Companion Plants

Lavandula angustifolia Rosmarinus officinalis Salvia officinalis Olea europaea

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Swane's Golden Pencil Pine questions

What zones can Swane's Golden Pencil Pine grow in?

Swane's Golden Pencil Pine is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Swane's Golden Pencil Pine deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Swane's Golden Pencil Pine, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Swane's Golden Pencil Pine bloom?

Swane's Golden Pencil Pine typically blooms in spring through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Swane's Golden Pencil Pine need full sun?

Swane's Golden Pencil Pine does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Swane's Golden Pencil Pine drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Swane's Golden Pencil Pine handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.