Cupressocyparis leylandii Gold Rider

Cupressocyparis leylandii 'Gold Rider' is a variety of Leyland Cypress appreciated for its vigour, density, and the beautiful lemon-yellow colour of its spring and summer foliage. Lighter than that of golden foliage varieties, its vegetation also withstands the sun better. This large pyramidal conifer grows quickly, allowing for the rapid creation of a private green screen. However, it will require pruning at least twice a year to keep it at a reasonable height. Young plants also require staking. Left unpruned, this cypress becomes a very beautiful tree, to be prominently placed in a large garden.

Cupressocyparis leylandii is a spontaneous hybrid between Cupressus macrocarpa, the Lambert or Monterey cypress, native to the forests bordering the central California coast, and Chamaecyparis nootkatensis, the Nootka false cypress, native to the northern part of the western coast of North America. These two hardy, large-growing conifers, tolerant of all soil, appreciate rather humid climates. Both belong to the Cupressaceae family.

The 'Gold Rider' cultivar, discovered in Boskoop in 1986, differs from the classic Leyland cypress mainly in the colouration of its foliage and its denser habit. Unlike other golden foliage varieties, this one tolerates sunny exposure well.

Its growth is very rapid after an establishment period. 'Gold Rider' will reach an average height of 5 m (16.6 ft) and a width of 3.5 m (11.5 ft) in 10 years if regularly pruned, and will exceed 18 m (59 ft 1 in) in height over time if not pruned. This conifer has a naturally regular, pyramidal, and dense habit. Its flexible and slightly upright branches are adorned with fairly coarse foliage when observed up close. The foliage is aromatic when crushed, with a slightly acidic aroma. Its small, blunt triangular leaves are imbricate on short cylindrical branchlets themselves implanted on branches. The young shoots are light lemon-yellow in spring and summer, then the foliage turns green in autumn and winter.

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

The brightness of 'Gold Rider' breaks the monotony of an invariably green decor throughout the year. It is perfect in a defensive hedge, at the limits of the countryside or by the seaside, for example. However, maintaining it at a height of 4 m or 5 m (13.1 ft to 16.4 ft) is quite demanding, requiring repeated pruning from a young age. For a shared hedge, opt instead for a mix of smaller evergreen shrubs (Elaeagnus ebbingei, photinias, laurel tins, privets, Japanese spindle tree, cherry laurel, or osmanthus), which are much easier to maintain 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 in isolation or mixed with other large shrubs in a hedge that will promote biodiversity in the garden. Placed in isolation in a large garden, it is a magnificent tree. Like many conifers, it blends well in gardens of all styles.