A real statement piece for pots, patios and entrances, Cupressus arizonica ‘Fastigiata’ Spirals brings crisp structure with a playful twist. Trained into an elegant spiral, it adds instant height and formality — the kind of plant that makes a space feel styled and finished, even in the depths of winter.

With its dense, evergreen foliage and naturally upright habit, it’s a brilliant choice for framing doorways, creating symmetry on a terrace, or adding a touch of architectural drama to borders.

Quick Facts Botanical Name: Cupressus arizonica ‘Fastigiata’ (Spiral form) Common Name: Arizona Cypress Spiral / Spiral Conifer Plant Type: Evergreen conifer, trained/topiary form Foliage: Dense, fine-textured evergreen foliage (colour can vary by plant and season) Form: Upright, narrow habit; trained into a spiral Position: Full sun to partial shade (best in a bright spot) Soil: Well-drained soil; avoid waterlogged ground Hardiness: Hardy in Irish/UK gardens; shelter from harsh, drying winds if very exposed Best For: Pots, entrances, patios, formal planting, year-round structure, symmetrical styling Maintenance: Low; occasional trimming to hold the spiral shape

How to Plant For the best results, plant in a sunny, sheltered position with free-draining soil. If planting in a pot, choose a generous container with drainage holes and use a quality compost mix. Water well after planting and keep moisture consistent through the first season, especially for container-grown plants.

Care Guide Water regularly while establishing. Once settled, it’s straightforward — your main job is simply maintaining the spiral outline. A light feed in spring can support healthy growth, particularly in pots. Avoid hard pruning into old wood; gentle trims are all that’s needed.

Caragh Garden Notebook To keep that spiral crisp, give it a light “tidy” trim in late spring, then step back and rotate the pot as you trim — it’s the easiest way to keep the shape even on all sides. In pots, don’t let it dry out completely in summer, and protect containers from sitting in water over winter.