x Cupressocyparis leylandii (syn. '2001') 'ATRO'

Cypřišovec Leylandův is a natural hybrid genus between cupressus macrocarpa and chamaecyparis nootkatensis. It is a fast-growing evergreen conifer, used mainly in hedges and as a windbreak. The species is a large tree which cannot be cultivated in small gardens, but varieties and selections are often smaller or more compact and are loved for their colours and capability to fit a smaller plot.

Atro is one of those smaller, compact varieties of Leyland cypress which can be grown even in a small garden. It was found as a natural mutation in Van den Dool Cultures Nursery in Dutch town Boskoop in 1983. You can also find it under an alternative name 2001. It naturally forms a fastigiate to columnar, compact conifer densely branched from the ground. It produces flattened sprays of scale-like, bright emerald green leaves. The branches are strictly upright and do not break under heavy snow.

Cupressocyparis is highly valued not only for its fast growth but also because it does not lose its colour in winter like some cypress or thuja and remains deep green, blue or yellow in case of varieties. Trim hedges 2-3 times from early spring until late summer. Never cut into old wood. Our plants of Atro are situated at the top of the garden centre parking lot in Prague, forming a screen between the cars and our display garden. There are 4 plants only making a superb, deep green wall which we seldom prune and they still keep compact. Thanks to its attractive colour and narrow habit it is often used as a hardy substitute of tender Tuscan cypress but needs regular trimming, otherwise it would grow too chubby.

Leyland 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 about 2 m from its trunk. If you plant larger specimens stake it well for the first 2-3 years to prevent from rooting out. It does not suffer from pests and diseases. Hardy to min. -27°C (USDA zone 5B).

Last update 25-10-2019; 27-02-2023