Cupressus cashmeriana, commonly known as Kashmir cypress or Bhutan weeping cypress, is an evergreen conifer that is native to Bhutan. In its native habitat, it will grow to as much as 100-150' tall, but typically grows to 40-60' tall with a spread to 15-20' in cultivation. It is a graceful weeping narrow pyramidal form featuring upright-ascending main branches from which droop long pendulous sprays of aromatic blue-green branchlets. Foliage of this cypress is somewhere between the needle-like juvenile leaves and scale-like adult leaves typical of trees in this genus. Leaves do not exceed 1/16" in length, but are not scale-like. Small 10-scaled cones (1/2" diameter) ripen to copper brown. This species is the national tree of Bhutan. Where winter hardy, the Kashmir cypress serves as an excellent ornamental cypress for the landscape. Winter hardy to USDA Zones 9-10. Best in organically rich, moderately fertile, well-drained sandy loams in full sun. Tolerates some drought once established. Site in locations protected from cold drying winds.
Growing Instructions for the Kashmir Cypress
The seeds have a period of dormancy. They can be planted outdoors in the fall or winter for spring germination or they can be cold stratified to simulate winter conditions and to break their dormancy at any time of the year. 1. Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours. 2. Put the seeds in a ziplock bag. 3. Put the bag in the refrigerator and leave it there for 4 weeks. 4. The seeds like moist, well-drained soil. Prepare a mixture of half potting soil and half sand, perlite or vermiculite. Put the soil in a pot. 5. Sow the seeds on the soil. 6. Cover the seeds with a layer of that is ¼ of an inch thick. 7. Water the soil so that it is moist but not wet. 8. When the seedlings are a few inches tall, they can be transplanted.