x Cupressocyparis leylandii ('Variegatus') 'SILVERDUST'

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.

It produces flattened sprays of scale-like, dark green leaves. The branches are not pendent, not erect. Something in between and that makes it different from chamaecyparis. Silverdust (Variegatus) is a cultivar with irregular creamy yellow variegation on some leaves and looks best when planted as a specimen tree. It grows very fast when young, into a columnar tree with dense branching from the ground. 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. -23°C (USDA zone 6), but very probably a lot more.

Last update 13-02-2009.