Botanical Name: Cupressocyparis leylandii
Common Name: Leyland Cypress \ Conifer
Use: Outdoors
Indigenous/Exotic : Exotic
Evergreen/Deciduous : Evergreen
Plant Type : Conifer
Flower Colour : None
Foliage Colour : Dark Green
Best Season : Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter
Light : Sun to light shade
Hardiness : Hardy
Attributes : Provides year round interest
Height (m) : 3 - 10
Spread (m) : 1.5 - 2
Cupressocyparis leylandii is a fast growing, adaptable plant. This is one of the most popular screening conifers. Tolerant of a wide range of growing and soil conditions. Ideal for use as a hedge - plants should be spaced one and a half metres apart. Can be kept trimmed to a formal hedge of around 2.5 to 3 metres in height. Drought resistant. This conifer is a cross between Cupressus macrocarpa and Chamaecyparis nootkatensis.
Notes: Conifers are constant, lending structure and depth of colour to the garden in every season of the year. Their dense evergreen foliage has an amazing range of different sizes, shapes and colours.
The soil should be well drained and reasonably fertile - add plenty of slightly acid compost to sandy or clay soils to improve their texture. Will thrive in an open, sunny to lightly shaded position. The golden varieties need full sun to show their best colours, but the blues and the silvers are often better in semi-shade, particularly in the hotter areas. Keep well watered during dry spells, especially in summer. Little pruning is necessary. Propagate by means of tip cuttings (5 - 7.5 centimetres long) taken during mid to late winter. Root best in sharp sand, under mist, with bottom heat if possible.