× Cupressocyparis leylandii

RHS Plant Profile

Leyland cypress

RHS

Synonyms

Chamaecyparis × leylandii, × Hesperotropsis leylandii, Callitropsis × leylandii, × Cupressocyparis leylandii, Cupressus × leylandii

Conifers Trees

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A large, fast-growing, dense conifer of columnar habit which can reach heights in excess of 30m if unchecked. Its dense foliage forms flattened, slightly drooping sprays of scale-like leaves

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Higher than 12 metres

Max Spread

4-8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 10–20 years
Max Spread: 4-8 metres
Max Height: Higher than 12 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand

Moisture: Well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade

Aspect: West–facing or South–facing or North–facing or East–facing
Exposure: Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H6

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Cupressaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Columnar upright
Potentially harmful: Skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs): Skin allergen - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus: × Cuprocyparis are large, very fast-growing evergreen trees of narrowly conical or columnar habit, with tiny scale-like leaves in dense sprays, and small spherical cones
Name Status: Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil in full sun or part shade. Suitable for hedging but requires regular trimming to keep under control. Fast growing and it has the potential to become a nuisance

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Architectural
Hedging and screens

Pruning

Trim and shape as required, as long as cuts are confined to young green shoots. Old wood will not resprout. Trim hedges two or three times in the growing season. See Leyland cypress: pruning for further advice

Pests

May be susceptible to conifer aphid and scale insects

Diseases

May be susceptible to a bacterial canker and honey fungus; see Conifers: brown patches