11-23-10: Cupressocyparis leylandii

Leylandii cypress is the unlikely union between a Monterey Cypress and a Nootka or Alaskan Cedar.

This occurred in England on the Leyland Estate in 1888. The two parent plants were collected from far corners of the world and planted within proximity on the estate, and the bond resulted in the offspring of what we know as simply "Leylandii" today. Propagation of this hybrid began in 1925 as the result of a search for a fast growing, salt and wind tolerant conifer.

Leylandii Cypress grows at a fast clip of about three feet per year, eventually reaching a height of 60 to 70 feet by 12 to 15 feet wide. Plant them about four feet apart for a hedge. A well clipped leylandii hedge can be a thing of great beauty if properly cared for by pruning 2 to 3 times per year. If you aren’t interested in that amount of labor or that formal look, a free form hedge is nice as well, just plant and let them grow.

The fine feathery foliage is a dark blue green when mature and bright green when young. Leyland Cypress will tolerate a wide range of soil types from clay to sand, acid to alkaline. It grows well in full sun, but will tolerate partial shade. Available also are the cultivars; ‘Castlewellen’ a more compact (20 feet by 5 feet) variety with golden tipped foliage and a more erect habit and ‘Naylors Blue’ with blue gray foliage, slower growing, more open structure and a size of 35 feet by 15 feet.

As mentioned Leylandii cypress makes a splendid hedge, a pyramidal shaped specimen tree and is often used as a Christmas tree. A colorful idea is to grow a spring flowering clematis through the cypress for a blooming effect.

The month of November we are focusing our ‘plant of the week’ on B& B stock. This cedar is only available in B & B.

See Josh’s blog for more information on B & B.

Pleasant Hill Nursery is pleased to offer:

Cupressocyparis leylandii available in B&B in 6'-7', 7'-8', 8'-9',9'-10' & 10'-11': Call for Prices & to Check Availability

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