Leyland Cypress

(X Cupressocyparis leylandii)

Contact: Diane Relf, Extension Specialist, Environmental Horticulture

August 1996

Summary:

Foliage: Evergreen needles
Height: 60 to 70 feet
Spread: 12 to 15 feet
Shape: Columnar

Dark-green foliage forms flat, fan-like shapes. Mature tree has a noble, pyramidal, columnar shape.

Plant Needs:

Zone: 6 to 10
Light: Partial shade to full sun
Moisture: Wet to moist
Soil Type: Sandy, loam, or clay
pH Range: 3.7 to 6.3

Functions:

Suggested uses for this plant include screen, windbreak, hedge, street tree, and specimen plant.

Planting Notes:

Transplants readily as container grown plants; this plant's stringy roots are not easily balled and burlapped.
Tolerates wide range of soil conditions.
Tolerates salt spray.

Care:

Easy to maintain.
Withstands heavy pruning.

Problems:

No serious problems.
May have occasional problem with bagworms.

Alternatives:

Consult local sources, including historic or public gardens and arboreta, regarding cultivars and related species that grow well in your area.

Cultivars of X CUPRESSOCYPARIS LEYLANDII:
`Naylor's Blue' has grayish-green foliage and a narrow, columnar outline.
`Leighton Green' has a tall, columnar form with rich green foliage.
`Robinson's Gold' has yellowish foliage which appears golden-bronze in spring.
`Silver Dust' has bluish-green foliage marked with white and spreads wider than others.

Comments:

Leland Cypress is a hybrid between CUPRESSUS MACROCARPA and CHAMAECYPARIS NOOTKATENSIS.
Adds visual appeal to landscape with fan-like, evergreen foliage and majestic shape.
A fast growing tree which serves as an excellent screen and windbreak and with heavy pruning can readily be used as a hedge.

Additional Materials:

The following Extension publications are available through your local Extension office or directly from: Virginia Tech Extension Distribution Center 112 Landsdowne St. Blacksburg, VA 24061
#426-500 "Winter Injury to Trees and Shrubs"
#426-604 "Selecting Landscape Plants - Rare and Unusual Trees"

This material was developed by Carol Ness as part of the Interactive Design and Development Project funded by the Kellogg Foundation. Mary Miller, Project Director. Diane Relf, Content Specialist, Horticulture. Copyright 1989 by VCE.

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