The Leyland Cypress tree is an accidental Victorian hybrid of the Nootka Cypress and the Monterey Cypress, first discovered and grown by C.J. Leyland in England, and is a very fast growing evergreen conifer. It makes a splendid dense hedge or an equally fine specimen tree and are among the most widely used hedge plants throughout the world.

The growth rate of Leylandii can be as much as 2.5-3ft (75-90cm) a year and if grown as a hedge or windbreak, it will need to be regularly clipped to keep it relatively low and narrow. To grow as a 6ft (1.8m) hedge, the planting distance should be about 2ft (60cm) apart. A rough guide for growing taller hedges would be to plant about a quarter of the proposed height apart.

Leylandii hedges are grown as either the common green variety or the golden Leylandii Castlewellan Gold. The golden variety grows slightly slower than the green one but will bush out more as it grows upwards so will still form a dense evergreen hedge quickly.

A scientific study to find the tree that was most effective at absorbing air pollution discovered that it was the Leylandii. It can absorb several times as much dust, smoke, and carbon dioxide as the average oak!

Growing Requirements

Soil
Leylandii will grow in most soil types, even in quite poor soils, as long as the soil is well-drained but it will not tolerate chalky soils. Grow in full sun or partial shade.

Size
If left untrimmed a Leylandii will ultimately reach 100ft (35m) and spread about 32ft (10m) by the time it is mature (10-20 years).

Pruning
The hedge will need to be trimmed a minimum of twice a year to keep it in shape. Make the last cut in either late summer or early autumn and wear gloves whilst cutting the hedge as the leaves can cause skin irritation.

Genus: Cupressaceae
Family: Cupressus