Images Depict Mature Plants
Carolina Sapphire Cypress
Cupressus arizonica 'Carolina Sapphire'
“The Carolina Sapphire Cypress is one of my favorite privacy trees for customers who want speed, beauty, and toughness all in one package. It grows faster than most evergreens, has that striking blue-gray color, and holds up well in heat, drought, and deer-prone areas. If you’ve been thinking about Leyland Cypress, I always recommend looking at Carolina Sapphire first—it’s just as fast but often healthier long term.”
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Delay shipping by leaving us a message at Checkout.
Share:
Carolina Sapphire Cypress – Fast-Growing Blue Evergreen for Privacy and Windbreaks
A fast-growing evergreen with brilliant color.
The Carolina Sapphire Cypress (Cupressus arizonica var. glabra ‘Carolina Sapphire’) is one of the fastest-growing evergreen privacy trees, prized for its silvery blue-green foliage and aromatic fragrance. With its dense branching and upright form, it makes an impressive choice for privacy hedges, windbreaks, or ornamental landscape accents.
Instant privacy and wind protection.
Growing 3–5 feet per year under ideal conditions, Carolina Sapphire quickly develops into a towering privacy screen or windbreak. At maturity, it reaches 30–40 feet in height and 15–20 feet in width, making it an excellent solution for large properties, farms, or suburban backyards that require fast coverage.
Low-maintenance and drought-tolerant.
Adaptable to a wide range of soils, Carolina Sapphire thrives in full sun and requires little maintenance once established. Its drought tolerance makes it a top pick for southern and central landscapes where water conservation is a priority. Unlike Leyland Cypress, Carolina Sapphire has a softer, finer texture and unique blue-gray coloring that adds variety to evergreen plantings.
A standout choice for lasting beauty.
Whether planted as a living wall, property border, or specimen tree, Carolina Sapphire Cypress offers year-round color, fast growth, and long-term durability. Its unique combination of speed, beauty, and resilience makes it a better alternative to Leyland Cypress for many homeowners.
| Hardiness Zone: | 6-9 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 30 to 40 Feet |
| Mature Width: | 15 to 20 Feet |
| Sunlight: | Full Sun |
| Foliage Color: | Blue-Gray |
| Habit: | Upright pyramidal |
| Soil Condition: | Average to Sandy Soil |
| Uses: | Privacy screen |
How to Care for Carolina Sapphire Cypress
After purchasing your Carolina Sapphire Cypress, be sure to read the recommended care instructions to ensure your plant stays happy and healthy for years to come.
How do I plant a Carolina Sapphire Cypress tree?
Choose a site in full sun with well-draining soil. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, and set the tree upright so the crown is level with the soil. Backfill halfway, water thoroughly, then finish filling the hole. For privacy screens, space Carolina Sapphire Cypress trees 8–10 feet apart to allow for their mature spread. Apply a 2–3 inch mulch layer around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch a few inches away from the trunk.
How often should I water Carolina Sapphire Cypress?
During the first year, water deeply 1–2 times per week to help establish roots. Once established, Carolina Sapphire is highly drought-tolerant and usually only needs supplemental water during extended dry spells. Deep, infrequent watering is best, as it encourages roots to grow deep into the soil. This makes the tree stronger, healthier, and more resistant to heat stress.
When and how should I fertilize Carolina Sapphire Cypress?
Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release evergreen fertilizer to encourage strong root development and dense growth. Spread evenly around the dripline and water thoroughly. In most cases, one feeding per year is enough. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can encourage overly soft growth that may not withstand heat or wind as well.
Does Carolina Sapphire Cypress need pruning?
Carolina Sapphire generally maintains a uniform, upright form without heavy pruning. Light trimming in late spring or early summer can be done to shape hedges or remove stray branches. Avoid shearing too aggressively into old wood, as like most cypress trees, they do not regenerate from bare stems. With its natural density, pruning is optional unless you want a formal hedge line.
