Cupressocyparis leylandii Excalibur Gold

The Cupressocyparis (x) leylandii 'Excalibur Gold' is a variety of Leyland cypress that is quite similar to the famous Castlewellan Gold, but surpasses it with its much more golden foliage that does not brown in the sun. It is a large hedge conifer, dense and well-branched from the base, whose growth can be controlled through pruning, which is well tolerated, making it easy to use in an evergreen hedge. Not demanding, hardy, it adapts to fairly poor soils, limestone, clay, pollution, sea spray, and salty mist. However, rocky soils and the very dry climate of the Mediterranean should be avoided. 

The (x) Cupressocyparis leylandii is a spontaneous hybrid between the Cupressus macrocarpa, the Lambert or Monterey cypress, native to the forests bordering the central Californian coast, and the Chamaecyparis nootkatensis, the Nootka false cypress, native to the northern part of the western coast of North America. These two hardy conifers, with large growth, adaptable to the soil, appreciate rather humid climates. Both belong to the Cupressaceae family.

The 'Excalibur Gold' cultivar, introduced in 2000 in Great Britain, differs from the classic Leyland cypress mainly in the coloration of its foliage and its more compact habit. Unlike other golden foliage varieties, it tolerates sunny exposure well.

Its growth is very rapid, after an establishment period. The 'Excalibur Gold' cypress will reach an average height of 4m (13 ft 1 in) and a width of 2m (6 ft 7 in) in 10 years if not pruned or lightly pruned, and will exceed 15m (49 ft 2 in) in height in the long run. Regular pruning (twice a year) will be necessary if you want to keep it at 2 or 3m (6 ft 7 in or 9 ft 10 in) in height in a conventional hedge. This conifer naturally has a regular, pyramidal, and dense habit. Its flexible and slightly upright branches are adorned with fairly coarse foliage when observed up close, aromatic when crushed. Its scent is slightly acidic. Its small, blunt triangular leaves are imbricated on short cylindrical branchlets themselves implanted on branches. The young shoots are golden yellow in spring, then the foliage slightly greens in summer while maintaining a beautiful golden hue.

This conifer produces pollen that can be allergenic for some people in early spring. The female cones, globular and green, turn brown when ripe. The reddish-brown bark becomes grayish with age. The root system of this tree is taprooted, allowing it to anchor very deeply in the soil to draw water and nutrients, and resist wind, even strong winds. Its hardiness is excellent, around -20°C (-4 °F).

The Excalibur Gold Leyland Cypress, truly bright, breaks the monotony of an invariably green landscape throughout the year. It is perfect in a hedge that will protect the garden, at the limits of the countryside or by the sea, for example. However, maintaining it at a height of 2 meters (6 feet 7 inches) is quite restrictive and requires repeated pruning from a young age. For a boundary hedge, opt instead for a mix of smaller evergreen shrubs; Elaeagnus ebbingei, photinias, laurel tins, privets, Japanese spindle, bay laurel, osmanthus, which are much easier to control in reasonable proportions. In a large garden or park, the Leyland cypress becomes a majestic pyramid in a few years if allowed to grow freely. It can thus be placed as a standalone tree or mixed with other large shrubs in a hedge that will promote biodiversity in the garden. Placed as a standalone tree in a large garden, it is a magnificent tree. Like many conifers, it blends well in gardens of all styles, contemporary, wild, romantic, or English.