Cupressocyparis leylandii 'Leighton Green'

Leighton Green is a very fast-growing, hardy evergreen conifer widely used for screening, hedging, windbreaks, and privacy screens. It is a hybrid between Monterey cypress and Alaskan cedar, known for its dense, lush green, fern-like foliage and tall, pyramidal growth form.

Key Characteristics

Height & Width: Can grow up to 10–20 meters tall and about 3–5 meters wide; very fast growth rates, often over 1 meter per year in favorable conditions.

Form: Upright, conical, dense habit with flattened foliage sprays of rich mid to dark green.

Foliage: Deep green, soft textured, fern-like sprays, attractive year-round.

Growth Rate: Very rapid; can reach 3 meters within 2 years from a young plant.

Tolerance: Frost hardy, drought tolerant once established, tolerates salt spray, wind, and a wide range of soil types including coastal and exposed sites.

Care: Requires regular pruning (2-4 times per year) to maintain desired size and shape, responds well to hard pruning without going bald due to hidden dormant buds.

Preferred Conditions: Full sun to part shade, prefers well-drained fertile soils but adaptable.

Landscaping Uses

Commonly used for large-scale sound and visual screening, windbreaks on farms, and mixed borders. Also popular in suburban gardens as a formal hedge or privacy screen. Its fast growth and dense foliage provide quick, effective coverage.

Summary

Leighton Green is among the fastest-growing conifers with versatile hardiness, making it a preferred choice for gardeners and landscapers looking for quick privacy, effective wind protection, and tall, lush evergreen hedges in temperate to cooler climates.