Species

Cupressus macrocarpaMonterey Cypress

1 other cultivar

‘Lemon Scent’Lemon Cypress

treeN. America Native

Lemon cypress

Cupressus macrocarpa 'Goldcrest'

$73.95

The Story

Plant Bio

Cupressus macrocarpa, the Monterey cypress, is a coniferous evergreen tree native to a highly restricted coastal range in California, characterized by its wind-sculpted form in maturity. The species features dense, scale-like foliage that emits a distinct citrus aroma when bruised, alongside small, inconspicuous seed and pollen cones.

'Goldcrest' is a popular nursery selection distinguished by its tight, columnar to narrowly conical habit and vibrant chartreuse to golden-yellow foliage. This cultivar retains its bright coloration throughout the year and is highly favored for its intense, lemon-scented needles.

Uses & Benefits:

Vibrant chartreuse foliage and a neat, columnar form provide year-round architectural structure and color contrast.

Highly wind-tolerant and salt-resistant, making it an excellent windbreak or screen in coastal areas.

Provides dense year-round nesting and roosting shelter for small birds and insects.

SpeciesCupressus macrocarpaMonterey Cypress

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

177"

Width

70"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Medium

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

North America (cultivar origin United Kingdom)

Toxicity

Mild skin irritant

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Fast Growing Trees

In Stock$73.95

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with excellent drainage and full sun, or afternoon shade in hot inland climates to prevent foliage scorch.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the soil line matches the nursery container level.
Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system, avoiding waterlogged conditions.
Apply a light layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture, keeping it clear of the trunk to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Never shear back past the active green foliage line into the bare, brown interior wood; cypresses lack dormant buds on old wood and will not regenerate, leaving permanent bare patches.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide sharp soil drainage to prevent root rot pathogens.
Protect the bright yellow foliage from harsh afternoon sun in hot inland regions.
Monitor interior foliage for browning, which often indicates underwatering or root restriction.

Don't

Do not prune heavily into old, leafless brown wood as it will not regenerate.
Do not allow the soil to become waterlogged or heavy with standing water.
Do not use overhead irrigation late in the day, which encourages fungal diseases.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen PlantingHedges and ScreensContainer GardeningCoastal Gardens

Companion Plants

Lavandula angustifolia Rosmarinus officinalis Salvia officinalis

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.

Is Lemon cypress deer resistant?

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

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.