x Cupressocyparis leylandii 'GOLD RIDER'

Leyland cypress is a hybrid genus between cupressus macrocarpa and chamaecyparis nootkatensis. It is a fast growing conifer, used mainly in hedges and as windbreak, however, its varieties differ not only in colour and habit but also growth rate.

Gold Rider is still quite new in the Leyland cypress family. It produces flattened sprays of bright yellow-green, scale-like leaves. The branches are not pendent, not erect. Something in between and that makes it stand apart from chamaecyparis. The big advantage of Leyland cypress is the fact that its colour does not fade or change to brown in cold winter months but remains bright and attractive all year round. It grows moderately into a broadly columnar tree with dense branching from the ground. Gold Rider will look great as a specimen plant as well as it will make an extraordinary hedge. Pruning is possible any time of year from early spring until end summer. Trim hedges 2-3 times from early spring until late summer. Never cut into old wood.

This cypress is very soil tolerant and will grow in any well-drained soil. Just beware that it will consume most of nutrient and moisture in the area of about 2m from its trunk. If you plant larger specimens stake it well for the first 2-3 years to prevent from rooting out. Hardy to min. -25°C (USDA zone 6), and is likely to take a few degrees lower for a limited period of time.

Last update 22-02-2010; 13-03-2013