Evergreen Shrub – Gold Rider Leyland Cypress

Gold rider leyland cypress 

Botanical name: x cupressocyparis leylandii ‘gold rider’ 

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: up to 35 ft in height with a spread of up to 15 ft 

Hardy zone: zones 5-9 

Foliage color: yellow/gold, lime green

Growth rate: grows 1-2 ft per year 

Pruning instructions: prune in the late winter/early spring to maintain desired shape and size 

Propagation methods: propagate with cuttings in the late summer/early fall

Landscape use: focal point, hedge, privacy plant, background planting 

Light needs: at least 6 hours of sun per day 

Special features: dramatic foliage, low maintenance, deer resistant

Watering instructions: allow the top 2 inches of soil dry out between watering sessions 

Fertilizing instructions : use a balanced, slow release fertilizer once a year in the early spring before new growth begins to emerge 

Best time to plant: spring or fall 

Best type of soil: can adapt to most soil conditions with amendments 

Companion plants: hollies, yews, junipers, arborvitae, other cypresses 

Toxicity level: mildly toxic for humans and pets if ingested 

Invasive species: no