Overwintering guide
How to overwinter lawson cypress
Winter watering
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
The mistake that kills lawson cypress in winter
Cutting lawson cypress hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.
More lawson cypress care
Overwintering lawson cypress — FAQ
Does lawson cypress need to come indoors for winter?
Lawson Cypress is hardy to roughly USDA zone 5 — winter lows around -29°C. That means it can stay outside all winter in most temperate gardens. Lawson Cypress is properly hardy and overwinters outside without fuss. Tidy away anything dead or diseased, apply a mulch over the crown to steady soil temperatures, and otherwise leave it alone — many hardy plants actually need a cold period to flower and grow well the following year. Save hard pruning for the right season rather than doing it in autumn.
When should I move lawson cypress for winter?
Tidy and mulch in late autumn; leave the plant undisturbed until spring.
How often should I water lawson cypress in winter?
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
What kills lawson cypress over winter?
Cutting lawson cypress hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.