Overwintering guide
How to overwinter pond cypress
Winter watering
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
The mistake that kills pond cypress in winter
Cutting pond 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 pond cypress care
Overwintering pond cypress — FAQ
Does pond cypress need to come indoors for winter?
Pond 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. Pond 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 pond cypress for winter?
Tidy and mulch in late autumn; leave the plant undisturbed until spring.
How often should I water pond cypress in winter?
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
What kills pond cypress over winter?
Cutting pond 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.