How to Grow Summer-cypress
Wikimedia Commons
Summer-cypress
Bassia scoparia
herbSummer-cypress is a fast-growing, annual ornamental plant prized for its feathery, fern-like foliage and dramatic color transformation. Native to central Asia, it starts bright green in summer and transitions to striking red or purple tones in fall. The plant forms a dense, symmetrical mound and is commonly used as a living privacy screen or decorative accent.
Looking for a specific variety?
When should you plant Summer-cypress in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Summer-cypress timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Summer-cypress
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Summer-cypress
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Summer-cypress dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-10 as a warm-season annual; can be grown anywhere as a tender annual
Sign up free to see if Summer-cypress grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Summer-cypress timeline →Growth Stages
Seed germination
1-2 weeksSeeds are tiny and require light exposure. Germination occurs in 7-14 days at 60-70°F.
Keep soil surface consistently moist but not soggy. Provide bright indirect light. Maintain warm temperatures for fastest germination.
Seedling
3-4 weeksDelicate, fine-textured seedlings emerge with feathery true leaves. Plants are small and fragile.
Provide bright light to prevent legginess. Thin seedlings to proper spacing. Handle gently. Keep soil moist. Avoid transplanting stress.
Vegetative growth
6-8 weeksRapid expansion into a dense, mounding shape with fine, feathery foliage. Foliage is bright green and very ornamental.
Maintain consistent moisture and full sun. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with balanced fertilizer. Pinch back tops if you want bushier growth. Monitor for pests.
Color transition
4-6 weeksAs temperatures cool in late summer and fall, foliage gradually shifts from green to red, orange, or purple depending on variety and light exposure.
Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to encourage color development. Ensure full sun exposure. Cooler nights enhance color intensity. Continue regular watering.
Maturity and senescence
Until first hard frostPlant reaches full size and vibrant fall color. Eventually declines with hard frost or sustained freezing temperatures.
Enjoy the display. Remove plants after frost damage or when appearance declines. Can collect seeds before frost if desired.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Increase humidity, spray with water, apply neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe
-
Use row covers on young plants, apply spinosad or neem oil, encourage beneficial insects
-
Spray with water to dislodge, use neem oil or insecticidal soap, attract ladybugs
-
Yellow sticky traps, spray with neem oil, ensure good air circulation
Uses
Living privacy screens and hedges
HouseholdSummer-cypress forms dense, uniform plants that can be planted in rows to create fast-growing temporary hedges or privacy screens. Its fine texture provides an elegant alternative to traditional evergreen hedges. [source]
Dried arrangements and everlasting
CraftThe dried seed heads and branches with colorful foliage can be used in fall arrangements and dried floral displays. The plant retains much of its structure and color when dried. [source]
Fall color accent in gardens
HouseholdThe dramatic transformation from green to red/purple in autumn makes summer-cypress an excellent focal point for creating seasonal color interest and extending garden beauty into fall. [source]
Container gardens and topiaries
HouseholdThe plant's symmetrical growth habit and fine texture make it suitable for container cultivation and even simple topiary forms with selective pruning. [source]
Seed food source
WildlifeThe abundant small seeds produced in fall provide food for birds and beneficial insects during late-season months when other food sources become scarce. [source]
Harvest Tips
Summer-cypress is primarily ornamental and not harvested for food. However, seeds can be collected by allowing the plant to mature fully and collecting the small round fruits before frost. The entire plant can be cut back and composted after frost damage.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Summer-cypress is also known as 'Burning Bush' or 'Firebush,' referring to its spectacular red fall coloration that resembles flames in a garden landscape.
- 🌱 The plant has been used for centuries in Asian gardens and landscapes; it was introduced to European gardens in the 17th century and to North America in the 19th century.
- 🌱 Despite its common name, summer-cypress is not a true cypress at all—it's in the amaranth family (Amaranthaceae) and only superficially resembles conifers.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Summer-cypress planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Summer-cypress seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Summer-cypress timeline →