Cupressocyparis Leylandii 'Leighton Green'

Leyland Cypress / Leighton's Green Cypress

Botanical Name: Cuprocyparis (syn. Cupressocyparis) leylandii ‘Leighton Green’
Family: Cupressaceae
Origin: Hybrid (Monterey Cypress × Nootka Cypress)
Plant Type: Evergreen conifer / tree

Overview

‘Leighton Green’ is Australia’s classic fast, dense privacy screen. This tough evergreen forms a tight column of rich dark-green, scale foliage year-round, building height quickly for instant shelter from wind and neighbours. Ideal for long boundary hedges, avenue planting and large feature screens in South Australia’s temperate and Mediterranean climates.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 6-15 m H x 2-5 m W (unclipped; maintain 2–6 m as a hedge)
• Growth Rate: 60-100+ cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Fine, feathery, dark-green sprays; fresh growth brighter green; naturally upright and dense
• Flowers: Inconspicuous (conifer) — small pollen cones in spring; small seed cones follow
  
• Seasonal Interest: Strong year-round structure and colour; excellent winter shelter
• Wildlife Value: Dense cover for small birds; nesting and windbreak habitat
• Tolerance: Drought-tolerant (once established), heat-tolerant, wind-tolerant
  coastal-tolerant (best second line; protect from direct salt spray); frost hardy
• Planting Density: Hedges/screens: plant 0.8–1.2 m centres (0.8–1.0 m for faster fill)
• Pet Friendly: Generally non-toxic; sap may irritate skin; eating foliage may cause mild tummy upset

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to light part shade (best density and speed in sun)
• Soil: Well-drained loam or sandy loam; handles clay loam if drainage is improved; avoid waterlogging
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer; monthly in winter if dry
• Maintenance: Mulch in spring; clip 2–3× during active growth to maintain shape/width; avoid cutting back into old brown wood; light feed in early spring
• Lifespan: 30-50+ years
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate and Mediterranean SA gardens, including inland and sheltered coastal sites
• Soil pH: Acid, Neutral, Alkaline (adaptable with free drainage)

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Privacy screening & boundary hedges for a refined, uniform finish
• Avenue planting along drives for strong structure and year-round colour
• Tall backdrop/ windbreak behind mixed borders and outdoor living areas

Why You Will Love It

If you need a fast, tall, evergreen screen, this is the proven performer. ‘Leighton Green’ delivers dense coverage, excellent wind protection and a polished hedge with minimal fuss — a high-value, long-term solution for privacy and structure.