Species

Cupressus macrocarpaMonterey Cypress

1 other cultivar

‘Goldcrest’Lemon cypress

treeN. America Native

Lemon Cypress

Cupressus macrocarpa 'Lemon Scent'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hesperocyparis macrocarpa, historically classified as Cupressus macrocarpa, is a coniferous evergreen tree native to a highly restricted coastal strip of central California. In its wild form, it develops a broad, wind-sculpted canopy that tolerates harsh salt spray and sandy soils.

'Lemon Scent' is a compact, columnar selection distinguished by its tight, fastigiate growth habit and bright chartreuse foliage. The scale-like needles retain their vibrant golden-yellow coloration throughout the year and emit a strong citrus fragrance when crushed.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a striking vertical accent with year-round bright chartreuse foliage and a formal columnar silhouette.

Highly tolerant of salt spray and strong coastal winds, making it an excellent windbreak for seaside properties.

Offers nesting cover and shelter for small perching birds in coastal and suburban gardens.

SpeciesCupressus macrocarpaMonterey Cypress

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

180"

Width

71"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Multi-decade

Native To

North America (California)

Toxicity

Mild skin irritant

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with full sun and exceptionally sharp drainage, avoiding low-lying areas where water collects.
Dig a planting hole twice as wide as the root ball but equal in depth, keeping the soil flare level with the ground surface.
Backfill with native soil without adding organic amendments, pressing firmly to eliminate air pockets.
Water deeply at the base immediately after planting, then maintain regular moisture until the root system is fully established.

Pro Tip

Shear only the soft, green outer foliage to maintain the columnar form; cutting back into the bare, brown interior wood permanently halts new growth on that branch.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in sharply drained soil to prevent root rot.
Provide afternoon shade in extremely hot inland climates to protect the golden foliage.
Shear lightly in spring to maintain the dense columnar shape.

Don't

Do not prune back into old, bare wood, as conifers cannot regenerate from leafless branches.
Do not overwater or allow the roots to sit in waterlogged soil.
Do not keep indoor potted specimens in stagnant, low-humidity rooms.

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

Specimen PlantHedgeContainer AccentCoastal Windbreak

Companion Plants

Lavandula angustifolia Rosmarinus officinalis Salvia apiana

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Lemon Cypress questions

What zones can Lemon Cypress grow in?

Lemon Cypress is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Lemon Cypress bloom?

Lemon Cypress typically blooms in spring through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Lemon Cypress need full sun?

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

Is Lemon Cypress drought tolerant?

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