You're visiting a new informational site devoted solely to conifers in Zone 8A.
Cypress - Cupressus
Most cypress varieties will do quite well in north Texas. Unfortunately, the fungal infection of Seiridium unicorne or "Seiridium Canker" on Italian and Leyland Cypress trees reinforced the thinking that conifers won't live here and aren't a good choice. While both Italian and Leyland Cypress should now be avoided, there are numerous other Cypress options that are must haves for any larger garden.
Arizona Cypress
Blue Ice
Planted in Fall of 2024
Arizona Cypress Blue Ice is truly a bullet proof selection for true blue color in direct unmerciful sunshine. As a very fast grower, Blue Ice can easily add a couple of feet in new growth per year in Zone 8A.
Raywood's Weeping
Planted in late Fall 2024
This hard-to-find selection of Arizona Cypress was just 4' tall when planted. Located online at Wilson Brother's Gardens in Georgia, it was shipped in late November and planted in December. In July of 2026 it is now approaching 12' tall. Most desired for its weeping habit it works well in tight spaces or in the open where it commands attention for its unusual form. It may be staked to grow as tall as desired but will always cascade over at the top with new growth curving back down to the ground.
Silver Smoke
Planted Spring 2025
The images on internet sites selling this cypress show a light gray, almost white, foliage. This tree receives more than eight hours of sun each day and has not produced the "smoke" color promoted in listings. It was only 2' tall when planted and has more than doubled in size but presents as a light blueish gray. It has a tighter form than the Carolina Sapphire but it's not as dense as Blue Ice. Saybrook Gold Juniper is in the foreground.
Blue Steel
Planted in Spring of 2022
The Blue Steel Arizona Cypress has a less dense habit than Blue Ice and a shade of blue closer to gray. This tree was under 3' tall when planted and was selectively pruned in Fall 2025 to create a more desirable shape. In July of 2026 it is 8' fall.
Golden Arizona Cypress
Planted Fall of 2025
This yellow version of the Arizona Cypress (Cupressus arizonica 'Aurea') is a great option for color in "full" sun all day. It provides interest and grabs attention, particularly in the Fall/Winter months when it still has a unique color compared to other Arizona Cypress trees. As the new growth flushes in Spring, older growth slowly greens. So far, this specimen has been a slower grower but published growth rates state 6-10" per year so it seems to be on target according to the growers product tag. Expected height is 12' with width of 8' which could make for a nice privacy screen or backdrop for lower plantings.
Carolina Sapphire
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Himalayan Cypress
Kashmir
This has been a nice surprise. It was a one gallon ordered from Forest Farm at Pacifica and planted in 2024. It has tripled in size and seems to be happy with the conditions were planted. It was labeled as Cupresses darjeelingensis Bengal Kashmir. This specimen, grown from seed, still had juvenile foliage when planted but has flushed growth typical for the tree. At the current rate of growth the anticipated weeping shape could be expected around 2029.
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