Bassia scoparia, commonly known as summer cypress or burning bush, is a flowering plant in the Amaranthaceae family. Native to Asia and Europe, it has been introduced to other parts of the world as an ornamental plant.
The plant can grow up to 1 meter tall, featuring slender stems and small green leaves that turn red in the autumn. From July to September, it produces small green flowers that eventually give way to tiny brown fruits.
Bassia scoparia is a hardy plant, capable of tolerating drought, heat, and poor soil conditions. It is often used for erosion control on slopes and as a decorative element in gardens due to its attractive foliage.
In traditional medicine, Bassia scoparia has been used for its anti-inflammatory properties and as a diuretic. However, it’s important to note that consuming large amounts can be toxic.
Overall, Bassia scoparia is an intriguing ornamental plant with unique foliage that can thrive in challenging conditions. It also possesses some medicinal properties when used appropriately under medical supervision.
Summer cypress resists disease well and is generally not prone to illness. However, it can be affected by pests and diseases present in its surroundings. These infections are usually mild. In terms of care, the plant needs moderate maintenance. Regular pruning is necessary to keep a good appearance and support healthy growth. Fertilizing can also help encourage flowering. Summer cypress is suitable for anyone with outdoor space, such as a garden or patio, and does not require extensive care experience. It may need more attention when grown indoors.
How to keep Bassia Scoparia.
Light
Summer cypress performs best with plenty of sunlight and favors consistent brightness throughout the day. It can tolerate areas with less light, but those are not ideal. Having originated in open, sunny environments, it may show reduced growth if light is insufficient. Very intense sun does not harm it, though it may need more frequent watering to prevent it from drying out.
Water
Summer cypress thrives in arid environments and is quite drought-tolerant, needing only moderate watering about once a week. It's best grown outdoors to mimic its natural habitat. As it enters dormancy and sheds its leaves, the plant's water requirements decrease seasonally.
Temperature
Summer cypress originates from regions with temperate climates and does best in temperatures from 68 to 95°F (20 to 35°C). In colder areas, seasonal care may be necessary to ensure its survival.
Fertilizer
Summer cypress does well with regular, diluted applications of fertilizer to encourage healthy leaf growth. Fertilize Summer cypress roughly once a month during the summer. Nitrogen is important for foliage, and providing nitrogen-rich fertilizers helps Summer cypress thrive.
Pruning
To ensure healthy growth and vibrant fall colors, it's important to regularly prune summer cypress. Key techniques for successful pruning include removing dead branches and thinning out crowded areas. The best time for pruning is from early to late spring, as this improves air circulation and sunlight penetration, leading to a healthier plant.
Pot & Repot
When repotting Summer cypress, choose a pot that is 1-2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) larger in diameter and has good drainage. Use a well-draining potting mix, and consider adding perlite for extra drainage. Repot during spring or early summer, then water thoroughly, and place in a shady location for the very beginning.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Annual
- Genus
- Bassia
- Family
- Amaranthaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 6-9
- Mature Height
- 0.3 m to 1.83 m
- Mature Spread
- 30 cm to 46 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green, Red
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen, Deciduous
- Flower Color
- Green
- Flower Size
- 2.54 cm
- Bloom Time
- Mid summer
- Planting Time
- Spring
- Harvest Time
- Mid summer, Late summer
- Native Area
- Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkey, India, Cyprus, Armenia, Pakistan, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Russia, Lithuania, Iraq, Syria, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Estonia, Mongolia, Iran, Kuwait, Azerbaijan, Latvia, Turkmenistan
Other names.
Reader questions.
What is the most effective way to water my Summer cypress?
There are a few different ways to water Summer cypress. You can use a garden hose with a spray nozzle, a watering can, or any other common watering tool. Summer cypress is not too particular about how it gets water, as it can survive on rainwater, tap water, or filtered water. It's generally best to avoid watering this plant from above as it can harm the leaves and flowers and potentially cause disease. A drip irrigation system is often the ideal watering method for Summer cypress because it evenly and directly applies water to the soil. If you have a container-grown Summer cypress, you can use a cup, watering can, or tap to water it directly into the soil.
Why do I have to put fertilizer on my Summer cypress plant?
Plants need nutrients to grow, but some can obtain all they need without additional fertilizer. Summer cypress, like other plants, relies on nutrients for growth and internal processes. The main nutrients for plants - nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium - contribute to various essential functions. For foliage, nitrogen is particularly important. However, Summer cypress may struggle to obtain enough nitrogen from the soil alone. This is why many gardeners choose to feed Summer cypress with a nitrogen supplement.
What are the sun requirements for Summer Cypress?
Summer Cypress, or Bassia scoparia, thrives best in full sun conditions, requiring above 6 hours of sunlight daily to flourish. It can tolerate partial sun, with about 3-6 hours of sunlight, but for optimal growth and health, ample sun exposure is preferred. The plant originates from open, sunny habitats, indicating its natural preference for continuous luminosity throughout the day.
What is the native climate for summer cypress?
Summer cypress is native to environments that offer a temperate climate. It thrives in temperatures ranging from 68 to 95°F (20 to 35°C). This indicates that summer cypress prefers moderate to warm temperatures for optimal growth.
What should I do if I give my Summer cypress plant too much or too little water?
To prevent underwatering of your Summer cypress, the solution is simple: water it more regularly when you see it lacking moisture. However, overwatering can be a serious problem if not caught early. Excessive watering can lead to diseases and the decline of your plant. To avoid this, it is important to select an appropriate location for your Summer cypress. Find a spot with ample sunlight to help dry the soil, and ensure good drainage to prevent water from pooling and creating waterlogged soil. If you have overwatered your potted Summer cypress, consider transferring it to a new pot with better drainage. This could be due to the previous pot lacking sufficient drainage holes or having poor soil drainage. When repotting, use loose soil and choose a pot that drains efficiently.
When should I add fertilizer to my Summer cypress plant?
To help Summer cypress thrive, consider applying fertilizer once a month during its active growing period, which is typically spring and summer. However, it's important to note that fertilization is not necessary during the fall and winter months when the plant is less active and requires fewer nutrients. Look for signs of new growth as an indication to begin fertilizing. Whether you are growing Summer cypress outdoors or in a container indoors, the fertilization schedule remains consistent. However, if your plant is in a container, it typically doesn't require fertilization for the first one to two months. Container potting soil usually contains adequate nutrients, so wait until your plant has been in the same soil for a while before starting to fertilize.
How does insufficient light affect Summer Cypress?
When Summer Cypress is grown indoors or in conditions where it receives inadequate light, it may show symptoms of light deficiency. These symptoms include small, mature leaves; leggy or sparse growth; faster leaf drop; slower or halted growth; lighter-colored new leaves; symptoms of overexposure like chlorosis, sunscald, leaf curling, wilting, and leaf scorching. These signs indicate the plant's struggle with insufficient sunlight, affecting its overall health and development.
Does summer cypress require special frost protection measures during winter?
Summer cypress has strong cold resistance, meaning that special frost protection measures are usually not necessary during winter. However, if winter temperatures are expected to drop below -25°C, it is important to provide cold protection. This can involve covering the plant with soil or straw to protect it. Additionally, watering the plant abundantly before the first freeze in autumn to keep the soil moist can help protect the plant during winter and early spring by preventing drought and water scarcity.
How many times should I water my Summer cypress?
During the growing season, summer cypress needs regular watering. In the spring, you should water it once a week. As it gets warmer, you may need to increase watering to two or three times a week. However, be careful not to overwater the plant, as that can be harmful. Make sure the soil remains moist but not wet. For potted summer cypress, you'll need to water more often. The soil in a pot can dry out quickly, so plan to water a few times a week, compared to just once a week for a plant in the ground.
When is it best to not fertilize my Summer cypress plant?
To ensure the well-being of your Summer cypress, refrain from fertilizing it if it shows signs of illness or has insect infestations. It is also important not to fertilize a dehydrated plant, as this can worsen the issue. Only use fertilizer on healthy plants. While watering, avoid splashing fertilizer onto the leaves or stem, as this can cause burns. Furthermore, be cautious not to allow direct contact with the plant, unless using a special fertilizer designed for foliage application.
What kind of artificial lighting can be used for Indoor Summer Cypress plants?
For indoor Summer Cypress plants, artificial lighting serves as an essential solution when natural sunlight is insufficient. LED lights are recommended because they can be tailored to provide the necessary wavelengths of light. Full sun plants require 30-50W/sq ft, partial sun plants 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants 10-20W/sq ft of artificial light. The light source should be placed 12-36 inches above the plant to mimic natural sunlight, with a duration mimicking natural daylight hours, usually 8-12 hours per day.
How does summer cypress react to low temperatures?
Summer cypress is cold-tolerant and performs best when temperatures remain above 20°C. It should ideally be kept above 0°C during winter. If temperatures fall below -25°C, you might not see any noticeable changes during the cold season, but there might be decreased sprouting or even no sprouting at all in the following spring. The solution for any parts that have failed to sprout by spring is simply to remove them.
