Cupressocyparis leylandii 'Leighton Green'

Species

3 other cultivars

tree

Leyland Cypress

Cupressocyparis leylandii 'Leighton Green'

The Story

Plant Bio

× Hesperotropsis leylandii, commonly known as Leyland cypress, is a rapid-growing evergreen conifer hybrid of Monterey cypress and Alaska-cedar parentage. It develops a tall, densely columnar to narrowly pyramidal habit with a strong central leader and symmetrical, upright branching.

'Leighton Green' is distinguished by its rich, deep green flattened sprays of scale-like needles that retain their dark coloration throughout the year. This cultivar is highly favored for formal hedging and windbreaks due to its exceptionally dense, uniform growth framework.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a dense, uniform, deep green backdrop or formal hedge that maintains its color throughout the winter.

Serves as an exceptionally fast-growing windbreak, noise barrier, or privacy screen.

Offers valuable year-round nesting cover and roosting shelter for songbirds and small mammals.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

826"

Width

177"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Multi-decade

Native To

North America (hybrid origin)

Toxicity

Skin Irritant

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with well-drained soil, avoiding low-lying areas prone to standing water.
Dig a planting hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth, ensuring the root flare sits slightly above the surrounding soil grade.
Backfill with native soil, firm gently to remove air pockets, and water thoroughly to settle the root system.
Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it several inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Never shear this conifer back into the bare, leafless brown wood of the inner canopy, as it lacks latent buds and will not regenerate, leaving permanent dead patches.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune regularly during the growing season to maintain a dense, compact hedge shape.
Water deeply during periods of extended dry weather to reduce drought stress and disease susceptibility.
Sterilize pruning tools with rubbing alcohol between cuts to prevent spreading canker pathogens.

Don't

Do not prune back into old, leafless brown wood, as the plant cannot regenerate from bare timber.
Do not over-fertilize with high-nitrogen products, which stimulates weak, disease-prone growth.
Do not plant in poorly drained or waterlogged soils where root rot can develop.

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 ScreenHedgeWindbreakSpecimen

Companion Plants

Thuja occidentalis Juniperus virginiana Viburnum dentatum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Leyland Cypress questions

What zones can Leyland Cypress grow in?

Leyland Cypress 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 Leyland Cypress deer resistant?

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

When does Leyland Cypress bloom?

Leyland 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 Leyland Cypress need full sun?

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

Is Leyland Cypress drought tolerant?

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