Monterey Cypress Donard Gold Cupressus macrocarpa 'Donard Gold'

Water

The Monterey Cypress 'Donard Gold' should be watered deeply and thoroughly. During its growing season in spring and summer, water the plant once every week or two, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons, depending on soil conditions and climate. In the fall and winter, reduce watering to every two to three weeks, giving the same amount of water unless rainfall is sufficient. It's important to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, as this cypress does not like to be in constantly wet soil. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensuring proper drainage is essential for the health of the plant.

Light

The Monterey Cypress 'Donard Gold' thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It should be placed in a location where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth and coloration. If the plant is situated in too much shade, it might not develop its characteristic golden foliage as vibrantly. Avoid deep shade spots, as this will compromise the plant's health and aesthetic appeal.

Temperature

The Monterey Cypress 'Donard Gold' is hardy and can withstand a wide range of temperatures. This conifer can survive in minimum temperatures of around 20°F but performs best in areas where the temperature remains above freezing. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60°F and 75°F. It can handle high temperatures well but should be monitored during extreme heat to ensure it does not dry out.

Pruning

Pruning the Monterey Cypress 'Donard Gold' is necessary to maintain its shape and remove any dead or broken branches. It's best to prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Light pruning can be done annually, but major pruning should be done less frequently to maintain the natural form of the plant. Pruning during the dormant season helps prevent disease and allows for vigorous spring growth.

Cleaning

Not needed

Soil

Monterey Cypress 'Donard Gold' thrives in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. A suitable soil mix can be made by blending equal parts of loamy soil, peat, and sharp sand to ensure adequate drainage and aeration. Regular testing and amending of the soil may be necessary to maintain the optimal pH and health of the plant.

Repotting

Monterey Cypress 'Donard Gold' is a slow-growing tree that typically needs repotting every 2 to 3 years. It's important to repot young trees more frequently to accommodate their growing roots, while mature trees can be repotted less often as their growth rate slows. Always repot into a slightly larger container with fresh soil mix to prevent root-bound conditions.

Humidity & Misting

Monterey Cypress 'Donard Gold' is adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels but prefers moderate to high humidity. It tends to thrive in outdoor environments where the humidity is naturally provided. Indoor specimens may require the occasional misting if the air is extremely dry, but generally, no special humidity adjustments are necessary.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Monterey Cypress in bright light, away from heat sources.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sunny spot, shelter from strong winds, well-draining soil.

• Hardiness zone

  7-10 USDA

Life cycle

The life of Monterey Cypress 'Donard Gold' begins with the germination of seeds, which typically occurs in a suitable environment rich in moisture and with temperatures that allow for growth. Seedlings emerge, developing a root system and foliage as they mature into young saplings. With adequate sunlight, water, and soil nutrients, the saplings grow into juvenile trees, exhibiting the characteristic golden foliage of the 'Donard Gold' cultivar. The trees reach maturity over several years, eventually developing reproductive structures; male cones release pollen, which fertilizes female cones. Fertilized female cones develop into seed cones, which upon maturity, release seeds to start a new generation. The mature Monterey Cypress 'Donard Gold' can live for many decades, continually growing in height and width, and producing seeds annually.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Monterey Cypress 'Donard Gold', commonly known as the Golden Monterey Cypress, is best propagated using semi-hardwood cuttings. This method entails selecting a healthy, semi-mature, non-flowering shoot from the current year's growth during the late summer or early fall, typically around August through October. The cutting should be about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long, with the lower leaves removed to expose the nodes where roots will form. The base of the cutting is then dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development before planting into a well-draining potting mix. The cutting needs to be kept in a humid environment with consistent light, but not direct sunlight, and must be watered gently to maintain moisture without becoming waterlogged. Roots generally form within a few weeks to a few months, after which the new plant can be gradually acclimatized to outside conditions before being transplanted into the garden.