Lemon Cypress: Complete Plant Care Guide

February 21, 2024Last Updated: February 21, 2024

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Name according to botany: Hesperocyparis macrocarpa
6 to 40 feet in height
Disperse: 1-4 feet
Exposure to the sun: either full or partial
Accepts the majority of well-draining soil types
USDA hardiness zones: 7 through 11.
When to plant: either in the fall or the spring

Introducing the Lemon Cypress

A striking evergreen, the lemon cypress is also known as the Monterey cypress. The vivid chartreuse foliage colors of these well-liked ornamentals are the reason they are grown. Because of their casual habit, these cypress trees are excellent specimens for lawns. A few cultivars have even more brilliant coloration and a smaller appearance, such as Goldcrest Wilma and Goldcrest. They can be planted in a garden bed or grown in a container.

CARE FOR LEMON CYPRESS

Growing lemon cypress trees is a simple task. They provide their informal habit and vivid yellow foliage color. These salt-tolerant cypress trees are frequently planted as specimens in lawns.

Brightness

Proper placement is the first step in caring for lemon cypress. These trees can grow in both partial shade and full sun. This refers to a location that receives between two and six hours or more of direct sunlight per day.

Water

When first planted, lemon cypress trees need regular irrigation, just like other trees. Once established, though, they can withstand droughts, and those planted in the garden bed only need to be watered once a week during the growing season. Container plants, however, will require more frequent watering.

Climate and Humidity

When planted in the right spot, lemon cypress is fairly easy to care for. USDA Zones 7 and 11 are hardy zones for lemon cypress.

Soil

These trees can withstand a broad variety of soil types and acidity levels. They do, however, need soil that drains properly.

Apply fertilizer

Fertilizer is not necessary for lemon cypress trees to grow well, though it is suggested.

Issues, Insects, and Illnesses

Strong winds can pose a threat to lemon cypress. They should not be grown in rich soil because they grow quickly in that environment.

Numerous pests and diseases may pose a threat to these plants. Borers are among them. Phytophthora, Armillaria, root rot, and coryneum canker.

ADVICE ON HOW TO PLANT A LEMON CYPRESS TREE

Particularly the dwarf cultivar of lemon cypress grows well in containers. They can also be planted in a landscape spot that receives enough direct sunlight. Although rich soils should be avoided due to the plant’s tendency to grow more quickly there and become more vulnerable to wind damage, well-draining soil is still necessary.

CULLING

Pruning lemon cypress trees is minimal, if necessary. The only exception would be cypress hedges that require pruning.

DISTRIBUTION

Conifers that produce seeds in their cones include yellow cypress. One can use these seeds for seedlings. But if you have a cultivar, growing from seed won’t result in a plant that looks exactly like its parent. It is also feasible to propagate using winter-taken stem cuttings.

REPOTTING CYPRESS LEMON TREES

If you choose to cultivate lemon cypress in a container, the tree may require periodic repotting. Repot the cypress every three to four years with new potting mix backfilled in a container at least one inch (2.5 cm) wider than the original pot.

ALMON CYPRESS TYPES

Cultivars of lemon cypress that are most in demand are Gold Crest and Goldcrest Wilma. The former grows to 40 feet (12 m) relatively quickly, at a rate of about 10 inches (25 cm) per year. A dwarf variation of the cultivar Gold Crest is called Goldcrest Wilma. It grows to a height of 1.8 meters, or 6 feet.

QUESTIONS ASKED REGULARLY

Is Lemon Cypress Winter-Survivable?

If planted in the proper hardiness zones, which are 7 through 12, lemon cypress can withstand the winter. If not, you will need to bring the plants inside for the winter to overwinter them.