x Cupressocyparis leylandii 'CASTLEWELLAN GOLD'

Leyland cypress is a hybrid genus between cupressus macrocarpa and chamaecyparis nootkatensis. It is a fast growing conifer, used mainly in hedges and as windbreak.

Castlewellan Gold is one of the most popular Leyland cypress whose origin is dated in 1962. It produces flattened sprays of deep green, scale-like leaves with golden-yellow new tips which change to lime green in summer. The branches are not pendent, not erect. This shape makes it easily recognizable from chamaecyparis. The big advantage of Leyland cypress is the fact that its colour does not fade or change to brown in cold winter months but remains bright and attractive all year round. It grows very fast when young, into a broadly columnar tree with dense branching from the ground. Castlewellan Gold will look great both as a specimen plant and an extraordinary hedge. Pruning is possible any time of year from early spring until end summer. Trim hedges 2-3 times from early spring until late summer. Never cut into old wood.

This cypress is very soil tolerant and will grow in any well-drained soil. Just beware that it will consume most of nutrient and moisture in the area of about 2m from its trunk. If you plant larger specimens stake it well for the first 2-3 years to prevent from rooting out. Hardy to min. -25°C (USDA zone 6), but very probably a lot more.

Last update 08-02-2011.