Leyland cypress 'Robinson's Gold' × Cuprocyparis leylandii 'Robinson's Gold'

Water

Leyland Cypress 'Robinson's Gold' should be watered deeply when the top 2 to 3 inches of soil is dry to touch, which typically means watering once every 7 to 10 days during the growing season. Depending on the soil and climate conditions, this may translate to about 1 to 2 gallons of water for young plants and up to 10 gallons for established trees every watering session. During the winter, water less frequently, but do not allow the soil to become completely dry. Adjust watering based on rainfall, temperature, and seasonal changes. Over-watering or poor drainage can lead to root rot, so ensure the soil is well-draining.

Light

Leyland Cypress 'Robinson's Gold' thrives best in full sunlight, meaning at least 6 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day. It can tolerate some partial shade, but its growth may be less dense. Plant it in a spot where it will receive ample light from the morning through the afternoon for optimal growth and health.

Temperature

Leyland Cypress 'Robinson's Gold' tolerates a wide range of temperatures and is hardy in USDA zones 6 through 10. It can generally withstand temperatures as low as -10°F and as high as 100°F, but the ideal temperature range is between 40°F and 80°F for optimal growth. Extended periods outside of this range may cause stress to the plant.

Pruning

Leyland Cypress 'Robinson's Gold' should be pruned to shape and maintain its size, remove any damaged or diseased branches, and promote denser foliage. The best time to prune is in the late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Prune no more than one-third of the plant's total height or width in a single season, and always use clean, sharp tools to make clean cuts.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Leyland Cypress 'Robinson's Gold' prefers a soil mix with good drainage, moderate fertility, and a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. A mixture of garden soil, compost, and sharp sand or perlite would support healthy growth. Regular mulching will help maintain soil moisture and structure.

Repotting

Leyland Cypress 'Robinson's Gold' is a large, fast-growing tree and is not typically repotted. Planting in the ground is preferable, and it should be given ample space to accommodate its size.

Humidity & Misting

Leyland Cypress 'Robinson's Gold' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels but does best in an environment that resembles its natural outdoor habitat.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Not ideal inside; needs sun, space, well-drained soil.

• Outdoor

  Plant in a sunny spot, with well-drained soil, space to grow.

• Hardiness zone

  6-10 USDA

Life cycle

Leyland cypress 'Robinson's Gold' starts its life as a seed, often a hybrid product of two parent species, Cupressus macrocarpa and Chamaecyparis nootkatensis. Upon germination, the seedling develops a rooting system and a shoot that quickly turns into a juvenile sapling with characteristic golden foliage. As it matures, the sapling grows into a large, fast-growing evergreen tree, which may reach substantial heights within a few years. Throughout its life, it undergoes periods of active growth in the spring and summer, followed by dormancy in the fall and winter. Reproductive maturity is reached after several years, enabling the tree to produce cones containing seeds, thus completing the sexual part of its lifecycle. The Leyland cypress 'Robinson's Gold' has a lifespan of several decades, and in the absence of disease or environmental stress, it remains a robust ornamental tree throughout its life.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Early spring

• The Leyland Cypress 'Robinson's Gold', a widely cultivated conifer, is most commonly propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. This popular method involves selecting healthy, vigorous shoots from the current year's growth during late summer to early autumn. The cuttings, usually 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) long, are taken from the middle portion of the branches, avoiding the soft tips and the hardened base. After cutting, the lower needles are removed, and the base of the cutting is dipped in rooting hormone to enhance root development. The treated cuttings are then inserted into a well-draining, sterile rooting medium and kept under high humidity with bottom heat, around 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 24 degrees Celsius), to encourage rooting. It typically takes several weeks to a few months for the cuttings to form a robust root system, after which they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the landscape.