Cupressocyparis leylandii 'Murray'
tree

Murray Leyland Cypress

Cupressocyparis leylandii 'Murray'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

420 inches

Width

120 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

20-50 years

Native To

Garden origin (hybrid)

Toxicity

Mildly toxic if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

Leyland Cypress is a fast-growing evergreen conifer, a hybrid widely used for hedges and screens due to its dense foliage and rapid growth. 'Murray' is a selection known for its improved disease resistance (especially to canker), stronger branching, and denser, more columnar habit compared to the standard Leyland Cypress.

Bloom Period:

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesThe 'Murray' cypress offers a dense, feathery, dark green foliage on a more compact and uniform pyramidal form, creating a lush, formal appearance year-round.
Practical UsesIts rapid growth rate and dense habit make it one of the most popular choices for creating a 'living wall' for privacy or as a windbreak in a short amount of time. Its improved branch structure resists wind and ice damage better than the species.
Ecological BenefitsThe dense evergreen foliage provides critical year-round shelter and nesting sites for a variety of birds, protecting them from predators and harsh weather.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select a site with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight.
  2. Ensure the soil is well-drained; amend heavy clay if necessary.
  3. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
  4. Set the tree at the same depth it was in the container.
  5. Backfill with soil and water deeply to remove air pockets.
  6. Mulch around the base, but keep it away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

When planting a screen, space 'Murray' cypress 6-8 feet apart to ensure good air circulation, which further enhances its natural disease resistance.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Provide full sun for dense growth.
  • Water deeply but infrequently once established.
  • Allow adequate spacing between plants for air flow.
  • Prune lightly and regularly to maintain size and shape.

Don't

  • Do not plant in shady or waterlogged locations.
  • Avoid cutting back into old wood, as it will not regrow.
  • Don't let the tree get too large before starting to prune.
  • Do not plant too close to buildings or power lines.

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Fast-growing privacy screenTall, formal hedgeEffective windbreak

Companion Plants

Lagerstroemia indica Ilex cornuta 'Burfordii' Viburnum tinus 'Spring Bouquet' Loropetalum chinense Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Murray Leyland Cypress questions

What zones can Murray Leyland Cypress grow in?

Murray 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 Murray Leyland Cypress deer resistant?

Yes — Murray Leyland Cypress is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Murray Leyland Cypress bloom?

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

Does Murray Leyland Cypress need full sun?

Murray Leyland Cypress does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Murray Leyland Cypress drought tolerant?

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

Keep exploring

Grow Murray Leyland Cypress with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.

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