In late afternoon winter sun with its heavy orange-yellow cast, ‘Blue Ice’ Arizona cypress doesn’t necessarily resemble its name. At other times, this cultivar is known for being particularly silvery-blue within a highly variable species.
If you’re familiar with this conifer, you likely know it under the name Cupressus glabra ‘Blue Ice’ or Cupressus arizonica var. glabra ‘Blue Ice’. For a small discussion on the name of the species, read the account about Cupressus on the conifers.org site. I’ve opted to use the opinion of the taxonomist who wrote the Cupressus arizonica entry for the Flora of North America, but that’s more out of convenience than conviction.
Photography resource link: For inspiration, the landscape photography of Australian Leigh Perry.
Cupressus arizonica ‘Blue Ice’ – Z7 – RHS Index of Garden Plants, Griffiths
Cupressus arizonica ‘Blue Ice’ – Z7 – Heronswood catalogue, Hinkley
Thank you for choosing the most handsome of conifers for posting on Christmas Day. It is desirable for many reasons and a huge delight to harvest for decoration. Peace and joy.
Introduced 1984 (or earlier) by Duncan & Davies nursery, New Zealand. On this continent by 1985.