The Swamp Cypress or Bald Cypress – Taxodium distichum, is a remarkable tree that brings something rather special to gardens. Its soft, feathery foliage creates a beautiful light green canopy that turns to stunning rusty orange shades in autumn. This is one of the few deciduous conifers, dropping its needles in winter to reveal a handsome framework of branches.
What makes this tree particularly fascinating are the ‘knees’ it sometimes produces – small woody growths that pop up through the soil around the trunk. While these are more common when the tree grows near water, they can appear in gardens too, adding real character to the space.
The tree has a lovely pyramid shape when young, gradually developing a broader crown with age. The bark is particularly handsome, developing deep ridges and a rich reddish-brown colour that adds winter interest. In spring, the fresh foliage emerges in the softest shade of green, creating a wonderful feeling of freshness.
Despite its common name, you don’t need a swamp to grow this tree. While it’s happy in wet spots and near water features, it grows perfectly well in normal garden conditions. Its adaptability makes it a brilliant choice for gardens with heavy or clay soils where other trees might struggle.
Often confused with either Coast Redwood or Dawn Redwood however Swamp Cypress needs a good supply of moisture – or even a swamp!
It’s important to know that these trees are deciduous, dropping their leaves in late autumn and remaining bare until early spring.
Plant your Swamp Cypress in any reasonable soil – it’s very adaptable and will cope with both wet and normal garden conditions. It grows best in full sun but tolerates partial shade. While naturally tolerant of wet conditions, regular watering during the first growing season helps establish a strong root system. No regular pruning is needed as it forms a natural shape. Feed yearly with a balanced fertiliser in spring. The tree is fully hardy throughout Britain and handles exposed positions well once established.
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