STANDARD / Cupressocyparis leylandii 'Leighton Green'

Leighton Green Cypress / Leyland Cypress

Botanical Name: Cupressocyparis leylandii 'Leighton Green'
Family: Cupressaceae
Origin: Horticultural hybrid (Monterey cypress × Nootka cypress; North American parentage)
Plant Type: Evergreen conifer (standard/topiary)

Overview

A classic standard for instant architecture in Adelaide gardens. ‘Leighton Green’ forms a dense, rich-green sphere on a clean trunk, giving year-round structure with minimal fuss. Fast to establish, wind-tough and easily kept tight with light clips, it’s ideal flanking entries, lining paths or starring in statement pots.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 1.5–3 m H (incl. stem) × 0.8–1.5 m W (canopy; maintain smaller with clipping)
• Growth Rate: 40-80 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Fine, scale-like sprays; lush mid- to deep-green with fresh lime tips on new growth
• Flowers: No showy flowers; may form small cones (insignificant)
  
• Seasonal Interest: Evergreen structure year-round; brightest new growth in spring
• Wildlife Value: Dense cover for small birds; minimal nectar/pollen value
• Tolerance: Drought-tolerant once established; heat and wind tolerant; coastal-wind tolerant (avoid heavy salt spray); light–moderate frost tolerant
• Planting Density: Standards/avenues: space 1.5–2 m apart; single feature per large pot
• Pet Friendly: Yes — generally non-toxic; ingestion of foliage may cause mild stomach upset

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade
• Soil: Well-drained loam, sandy loam or improved clay loam; avoid waterlogging
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer; rarely in winter if dry
• Maintenance: Mulch in spring; clip lightly 2–4×/yr to maintain the ball (avoid cutting into old brown wood); slow-release feed in early spring
• Lifespan: 20-40+ years
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate/Mediterranean SA, including coastal suburbs (shelter from harsh sea spray)
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to mildly alkaline

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Formal pairs by paths, gates and entries
• Avenue of standards along fences/driveways for crisp rhythm
• Statement pot specimen for patios/courtyards; underplant with contrasting groundcovers

Why You Will Love It

Instant designer structure with year-round colour. This fast, tidy standard stays dense and elegant in Adelaide conditions, needing only a few light clips and deep, infrequent watering to look its best.