Cupressocyparis leylandii 'Castlewellan Gold'

Species

3 other cultivars

tree

Castlewellan Gold

Cupressocyparis leylandii 'Castlewellan Gold'

The Story

Plant Bio

× Cuprocyparis leylandii is a fast-growing, evergreen hybrid conifer originating from a cross between Cupressus macrocarpa and Chamaecyparis nootkatensis. It develops a dense, broad-columnar to pyramidal form with upright branches that extend to the ground.

'Castlewellan Gold' is distinguished by its scale-like foliage that emerges a bright golden-yellow before maturing to a deep green-gold. The foliage often transitions to warm bronze tones during the winter months.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round structure with dense, golden-yellow foliage that turns bronze in winter.

Functions as a fast-growing windbreak or formal privacy screen when properly spaced.

Offers dense nesting sites and winter roosting cover for songbirds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

393"

Width

157"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

United Kingdom (cultivated origin)

Toxicity

Skin Irritant

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to ensure the foliage retains its bright golden coloration.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth, ensuring the soil is well-drained.
Position the plant so the root flare sits level with or slightly above the surrounding soil grade.
Backfill with native soil, water deeply to settle, and apply a layer of organic mulch to conserve moisture.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, drought-tolerant root system.

Pro Tip

Space plants at least 10 to 15 feet apart to maintain lateral airflow; crowding deprives lower branches of light and traps humidity, which triggers fatal Seiridium canker.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune or shear the outer foliage one to two times per year in late spring and mid-summer to maintain shape and density.
Provide at least 10 to 15 feet of space between plants when planting a screen to ensure adequate air circulation.
Apply a balanced, slow-release conifer fertilizer annually in early spring.

Don't

Never prune back hard into old, brown, leafless wood, as the plant lacks dormant buds on old wood and will not regenerate.
Do not plant in waterlogged, heavy clay, or chronically saturated soils.
Avoid planting in regions combining extreme summer heat with high humidity where the plant struggles.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Privacy ScreenHedgeSpecimen/Focal PointWindbreak

Companion Plants

Thuja plicataHesperocyparis arizonica Physocarpus opulifolius

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Castlewellan Gold questions

What zones can Castlewellan Gold grow in?

Castlewellan Gold is hardy in USDA Zones 6–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Castlewellan Gold deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Castlewellan Gold, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

Does Castlewellan Gold need full sun?

Castlewellan Gold does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Castlewellan Gold drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Castlewellan Gold handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.