Pest identification
What's eating my blue surprise cypress?
Cypress aphid (Cinara cupressi)
Signs: Grey-brown die-back patches mid-canopy; sticky honeydew and sooty mold on lower foliage
Control: Inspect inner stems in spring; spray insecticidal soap or apply systemic imidacloprid drench
Spider mites (Tetranychus urticae)
Signs: Fine stippling and bronzing of foliage; webbing visible in dry conditions
Control: Water adequately in summer; horticultural oil or miticide spray repeated weekly
Scale insects (Carulaspis spp.)
Signs: Crusty white deposits on twigs; gradual yellowing and branch dieback
Control: Horticultural oil applied in early spring; prune out affected shoots
Keep blue surprise cypress pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Blue Surprise Cypress pests — FAQ
What is eating my blue surprise cypress?
Blue Surprise Cypress faces similar threats to other Lawson cypress cultivars. Cypress aphids are the leading pest, causing distinctive grey-brown die-back in summer. Scale insects and spider mites are secondary threats. Deer may browse young plants. Lawson cypress is also susceptible to Phytophthora; ensure good soil drainage to minimise disease risk.
How do I get rid of cypress aphid (cinara cupressi) on blue surprise cypress?
Grey-brown die-back patches mid-canopy; sticky honeydew and sooty mold on lower foliage Inspect inner stems in spring; spray insecticidal soap or apply systemic imidacloprid drench
How do I get rid of spider mites (tetranychus urticae) on blue surprise cypress?
Fine stippling and bronzing of foliage; webbing visible in dry conditions Water adequately in summer; horticultural oil or miticide spray repeated weekly
How do I get rid of scale insects (carulaspis spp.) on blue surprise cypress?
Crusty white deposits on twigs; gradual yellowing and branch dieback Horticultural oil applied in early spring; prune out affected shoots