Cupressus glabra 'Blue Ice' / Blue Ice Arizona cypress
Cupressus arizonica var. glabra 'Blue Ice' is a compact, conical selection of Arizona cypress with exceptionally attractive, frosty, silver-blue foliage. Although fairly slow-growing, 'Blue Ice' will assume a substantial tree form over time, growing more than 1 foot (30 cm) per year and will be nearly 15 feet (4.5 m) tall and 8 feet (2.4 m) wide after 10 years in the landscape. It is extremely tolerant of hot sun and drought conditions.
This cultivar originated as a seedling selected in 1960 by Duncan & Davies Nursery, New Plymouth, New Zealand who subsequently introduced it to the nursery trade in 1984.
Cupressus glabra 'Blue Ice' in a private garden in Kansas, October 2006.
Photo by David Stegmaier
Photo by David Stegmaier
Cupressus glabra 'Blue Ice'
in the Gotelli Collection of the U.S. National Arboretum, Washington, D.C., May 2006.
Photo by Dax Herbst
Photo by Dax Herbst
Cupressus glabra 'Blue Ice' — a row of plants along a fence line in Petaluma, California. Planted in December, 2016 as 5-gallon plants.
Photo by Sara Malone
Photo by Sara Malone
Cupressus glabra 'Blue Ice' — a closeup of foliage detail.
Photo by Sandra McLean Cutler
Photo by Sandra McLean Cutler
Comments
Is there a non-pollinating/female-only cultivar of this tree?
no, there isn't. Cupressus is monoecious.
I am interested in a source for these for Christmas trees on Hawaii Big Island and I am not finding any leads - would you know of any Nursery that sells/ships to Hawaii? Thank you in advance.
Hi Mary, we have a member who grows Christmas trees out of Hilo. He might actually have this one.
I came to this page to figure the same thing out ! I’m actually in big island and trying to get a tree too! I would love to talk to your friend Hilo side. I’ve sold Christmas trees on New York for a few years and I love this tree!
one of the benefits of becoming a member of the ACS is the ability to view the membership database and build out your network of like enthusiasts. Good luck!
Does anyone have a source for these trees in so cal ?
Wanting to buy 500-1000 seedlings?
Hello, will this tree grow in Los Angeles? I am in Sunset climate zone 22. I see lots of pine trees around.
hanks
Andres, Yes, this cypress will grow very well in Los Angeles. It prefers full sun and well drained soil. It will grow fast and large. It can take the hot western sun exposure that wilts many plants.
Thanks, for your quick response.
Is a beatiful tree.
does this tree grow in Connecticut zone 6
Are these trees sterile?
Are they a hybrid?
definitely not sterile. They produce lots of pollen and seed cones. No reason to think it's a hybrid. It's a seedling selection from New Zealand.
'Blue Ice' is drought tolerant. Is it susceptible to root rot during the winter rains here in the Pacific NW?
I don't think so. I live in Olympia and have had absolutely no problems with C. arizonica. It is also reported to do well in the southeast. It's a really resilient plant.
Have the same question re. root rot (or other issues) in the PNW!
I'm somewhat in the rain shadow of the Olympics, but have a high winter water table due to clay.
Sure would like to plant these, but would hate to invest years if it has to struggle or worse not make it.
My Cyprus is labeled, "Cupressus Glabra 'Carolina Sapphire' Arizona Cypress". Can this be correct? I'm learning that Glabra is Blue Ice. Is there a mistake in the name? Does anyone know? 🤔 Thanks!
'Carolina Sapphire' is a cultivar of Cupressus arizonica var. glabra. 'Blue Ice' is another cultivar of the same species. Supposedly 'Blue Sapphire' has finer foliage, but I have never encountered one in the trade or seen one in a garden. 'Blue Ice' on the other hand is readily available where Cupressus are hardy.
'Blue Ice' and 'Carolina Sapphire' are different cultivars of Arizona Cypress. Both have been in the trade for some time.
I have had these in my backyard for over 15 years. I have had to top them and would like to know how to trim them, lacing or just hedge trimmers. Thanks
Hello Karin,
You indicated that top them, you mean you cut off the leader? What is the approximate height right now? .
I planted a Blu Ice last year ( May 2021) and it has gone from 2 feet to 8 feet tall. I also want to know know how to trim it. Can you post a picture on our Facebook page?
Thanks
I had mine trimmed a year before moving from So Cal. by Grant Forrester with the Aesthetic Pruning Association. Members of the APA are taught to prune and enhance the plant so it looks 100% natural. Grant was able to dramatically reduce the width (as they were encroaching on a walkway) and reduce the height somewhat. You may want to contact the APA if you want your tree to continue to look just gorgeous.
Aesthetic Pruning Association, I will look them up.
Thanks for the information.
How much do you charge for the Arizona Cypress Trees? I am looking for this cypress in one gallon pots.