Advice needed for Cupressus Glabra "Blue Ice"

Discussion in 'Gymnosperms (incl. Conifers)' started by Irish, Mar 18, 2007.

  1. Irish

    Irish Member

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    We are in Vancouver BC and are getting an 8 foot tall Cupressus Glabra "Blue Ice". The plan is to place the root ball on the existing grade and build up new soil around it to the top of the root ball. We are going to mix Sea Soil and sand 3 parts Sea Soil to 1 part sand. Does this seem right? We have heard conflicting stories about how the tree likes some shade or full sun. It will get morning to noon sun, then mid afternoon to evening sun. Any ideas about growth rate, max height in Vancouver, winter snow damage potential, bird appeal? Any comments would be greatly appreciated!
     
  2. Ron B

    Ron B Paragon of Plants 10 Years

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    Semiarid climate tree readily distorted by shade. Pick a spot in full sun with good existing drainage. Plant in uniform soil texture throughout rooting area, no pockets or layers of different material (except a mulch layer or a single layer of topsoil on top of existing soil). Fast-growing item, would be preferable to buy a smaller one but yes, these may not be readily found on local market in a given year.

    Hard to find without deformed roots due to container culture. If rootbound may lean or topple later, I'm having alot of trouble with this on various items (not just Arizona cypress). Inspect stock being considered for root problems, suggest going with alternative choice if find obvious problems.

    Recently had a young 'Carolina Sapphire' get bent over, lose a couple branches in heavy snow of this past winter, due to being rootbound. Had gotten eastablished and was growing well, looking great until weighed down.
     
    Last edited: Apr 3, 2007
  3. Michael F

    Michael F Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    Potential heght up to 20-25m tall (if it doesn't fall over from being planted rootbound!).

    Winter snow damage - minimal IF it is kept to a single trunk (prune out any forked leaders) and if the roots are good.

    Bird appeal - somewhat limited; mainly used for cover, rather than for feeding. At least it produces seeds which some birds will eat, so it is better than the sterile Leyland Cypress. Unfortunately, the cones tend to remain closed for a long time, so the seeds are not readily accessible (unlike e.g. Lawson's Cypress, where the seeds often attract feeding flocks of Siskins).
     
  4. dcsteg

    dcsteg Active Member 10 Years

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    The only obivious thing not mentioned is the need to be staked because you are setting it on the ground instead of putting it in the ground. Let it anchor itself into the exhisting ground then remove the steak at a later date when you feel it has enough root base to support it. Mouding the soil up to the top of root ball will not offer enough stability to anchor the conifer securey.

    Dave
     

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