Lemon Cypress
Cupressus macrocarpa 'Goldcrest'
An evergreen conifer featuring vibrant, bright yellow-green to chartreuse foliage with a distinct upright, conical growth habit and densely packed scale-like leaves.
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade, minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Water
- Moderate watering needs. Allow the topsoil to dry out slightly between waterings; avoid prolonged drought or waterlogged soil conditions.
- Growth
- Perennial evergreen tree or large shrub with an upright, columnar to conical growth form, reaching mature heights of 10 to 16 feet in containers or up to 30 feet outdoors, with a moderate growth rate.
Care instructions
Provide full sun to partial shade with at least 6 hours of direct light daily. Water deeply when the top few inches of soil become dry, ensuring excellent drainage. Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade, minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Watering
Moderate watering needs. Allow the topsoil to dry out slightly between waterings; avoid prolonged drought or waterlogged soil conditions.
Soil
Well-draining sandy loam or potting mix with a neutral to slightly acidic pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.
Hardiness zone
USDA zones 7 through 10.
Growth habit
Perennial evergreen tree or large shrub with an upright, columnar to conical growth form, reaching mature heights of 10 to 16 feet in containers or up to 30 feet outdoors, with a moderate growth rate.
Bloom season
Non-flowering
Propagation
Propagated primarily through semi-hardwood stem cuttings taken in late summer or autumn, treated with rooting hormone.
Common pests & issues
Susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soil. Common pests include aphids, spider mites, and bagworms, manageable with horticultural oils or insecticidal soap.
Similar species
Hinoki Cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa), which features darker green foliage with distinctive white X-shaped markings on the underside of the scale leaves.