Evergreen Tree – Lemon Cypress

Lemon cypress 

 Botanical name: hesperocyparis macrocarpa ‘goldcrest’ 

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: average height of about 6-8 ft with a 1-3 ft spread 

Hardy zone:  zones 7-10 

Foliage color:  green/yellow 

Growth rate:  grows about 6 inches – 1 ft per year 

Pruning instructions: trim in the spring to maintain desired shape and size while avoiding cutting old wood 

Propagation methods:  propagate with cuttings in the late winter or early spring 

Landscape use:  hedge, privacy, topiaries, container plant 

Light needs:  6 hours of sun per day 

Special features: lemon scented foliage, narrow shape, low maintenance, foliage becomes more yellow in color with more sun exposure 

Watering instructions: allow the first few inches of soil to dry between watering sessions 

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

Best time to plant:  spring 

Best type of soil: sandy

Companion plants: lavender, junipers, rosemary, creeping jenny 

Toxicity level: mildly toxic for pets if ingested, but non-toxic for humans 

Invasive species: no