Cypress Leyland

X cupressocyparis leylandii

The Leyland Cypress is a tree prized for its fast-growing and hardy nature. This hybrid is the result from a cross between the Monterey Cypress, from which Leylands get their fast growth speed, and the Nootka Cypress from which Leylands gets their hardiness.

The emerald green foliage is composed of feathery, soft pointed leaves on flattened branchlets. Leylands will tolerate a wide range of soil types from clay to sand, acid to alkaline. They grow best in full sun, but tolerates partial shade. Leylands can grow up to three to five feet per year while young, even in less favorable growing conditions.

Leylands are often used as privacy hedges or windbreaks because of their density and quick growth rate. However, Leylands can quickly outgrow their space in small landscapes and is often too big for many residential landscapes, unless it is regularly trimmed. Leyland Cypress is great for large-scale landscapes where it can be allowed to develop into its natural shape. They also make great Christmas trees.

Ornamental Characteristics:

Native Origin:
Hybrid origin

Common Names:
Leyland Cypress

Description:
Hardy Range: 6A to 10A
Mature Height: 25’ to 50’
Mature Spread: 15’ to 25’
Growth Rate: 10 to 20 years to maturity
Form: columnar, oval and pyramidal
Persistence: evergreen

Ornamental Characteristics:
This plant has no flowers or blooms. The needled evergreen foliage is green with a blue tint and has no change in fall. The fruit is dry, round, inconspicuous and brown in color.

Environment:
Soil: needs fertile, heavy mineral soil
Salt: medium
Exposure: partial sun to full sun