A blue-tinged evergreen, ‘Carolina Sapphire’ is one variety of a varieties known by the latin name Cupressus arizonica, a native of our continent. Growing naturally in portions of the American Southwest and of Mexico, this plant is tolerant of hot, dry climates! It’s been associated with xeriscaping (landscaping without irrigation), and it readily associates with other dry-climate plants. With a suitable climate, bright sunlight, and a little patience, Carolina Sapphires can grow quite large and create and excellent windbreak or privacy barrier.
But what about those of us who live in the middle and eastern portions of the U.S.? Can we grow this tree coming from the dry West? It’s true, we could probably find other species that meet our long-term needs for outdoor landscaping better. We don’t have a dry climate, and winter hardiness is also a potential concern. But for short-term indoor decoration, these unique evergreens may just fill a niche. And we wouldn’t discourage anyone from doing further research and doing a trial planting outdoors! Gardening is a learning journey!
Sources
Cupresses arizonica (2021). Retrieved 11/4/21 from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cupressus_arizonica
Gilman, E. F. and Watson, D. G. (1993). Cupressus glabra ‘Carolina Safire’ Smooth-Barked Arizona Cypress. Retrieved 11/4/21 from http://hort.ufl.edu/database/documents/pdf/tree_fact_sheets/cupglaa.pdf
Malone, S. (2021). 10 Types of Cypress Trees That Everyone Should Know. Retrieved 11/4/21 from https://conifersociety.org/conifers/articles/10-types-of-cypress-trees-that-everyone-should-know/
Myers, V. R. (2021). How to Grow Arizona Cypress Tree. Retrieved 11/4/21 from https://www.thespruce.com/arizona-cypress-growing-tips-3269300