Family: Cupressaceae
Common Name: Leyland Cypress

The parents of this intergeneric hybrid are generally thought to be Chamaecyparis nootkatensis (nootka cypress) and Cupressus macrocarpa (Monterey cypress). Originating in Great Britain, it is widely grown throughout the UK as a screen or tall hedge, and has also been grown for timber production because of its extremely vigorous growth. It combines the strong, leading shoots of the Monterey cypress with the flattened, branchlet sprays of the Chamaecyparis.

Species

Numerous cultivars of x C. leylandii, Leyland cypress, have been named, varying in growth habit and foliage colour. All are tall trees, reaching heights of over 30 m (100 ft). However, in some regions where x C. leylandii has been grown for a number of years, heights rarely exceed 10 m (33 ft) or so. For a conifer, it grows fast. Cultivars include 'Castlewellan', with yellow foliage and a broad, columnar shape, widely used as hedging when kept to about 4 m (13 ft); 'Leighton Green', with a columnar shape and the flattened fern-like sprays typical of Chamaecyparis; and 'Naylor's Blue', with a narrow, columnar shape and a blue-gray tone to its foliage.

Cultivation

The combination of parent species suggests that Leyland cypress thrives best in cool, humid, maritime climates. It prefers a deep, well-drained, reasonably fertile soil. It may need protection from wind when very young, but will tolerate exposed windy sites once established. Water regularly and deeply through the first two or three summers. Propagation is from semi-ripe cuttings taken in late summer and rooted in a garden frame.

Climate

Zone 7. They do best in cool, moist, conditions.