Cupressocyparis leylandii Oger

Cupressocyparis leylandii 'Oger' is a variety of Leyland Cypress that is more compact and requires less width pruning. It is narrower and stockier than other varieties, and does not requiring staking at planting. Its thick and dense foliage provides good screening. Fast-growing, this conifer forms a tall pyramid in a few years if left to grow freely. Its growth can be controlled through pruning, making it suitable for use in an evergreen hedge. While it creates beautiful green screens, this Leyland Cypress can also be used as a standalone plant or mixed with other large shrubs in a hedge that promotes biodiversity in the garden. Low-maintenance and hardy, it tolerates relatively poor, limestone, clay soils, pollution, sea spray, and salty mist. However, rocky soils and very dry climates should be avoided.

Cupressocyparis leylandii is a spontaneous hybrid between Cupressus macrocarpa, the Monterey Cypress or Lambert Cypress, native to forests along the central Californian coast, and Chamaecyparis nootkatensis, the Nootka Cypress, native to the northern part of the western coast of North America. These two hardy, large-growing conifers are tolerant of different soil types and prefer relatively humid climates. Both belong to the Cupressaceae family.

The 'Oger' cultivar, discovered in a French garden, differs from the classic Leyland Cypress mainly in its compact vegetation, straight leader, stronger branches, denser foliage, and smaller size. Similar to the '2001' cultivar, it is even denser and narrower.

Its growth is very fast after an establishment period. 'Oger' grows about 60 cm (23.6 in) per year, reaching an average height of 10 m (32.8 ft) and a width of 4 m (13.1 ft) if left unpruned. Regular pruning (1 to 2 times per year) will be necessary to maintain it at a height of 5 m (16.4 ft) and a width of 1.5 m (4.9 ft) in a conventional hedge. This conifer has a naturally columnar, elegant habit that resembles that of a Thuja. Its flexible, upright branches are adorned with coarse foliage. The foliage is aromatic when crushed, with a slightly acidic aroma. Its small, triangular, blunt leaves are imbricate on short, cylindrical branchlets. In spring, this conifer produces pollen that can cause allergies in some people. The female cones are globose and green, turning brown when ripe. The reddish-brown bark becomes greyish with age. The root system of this tree is taprooted, allowing it to anchor deeply in the soil to draw water and nutrients and resist even strong winds. It has very good hardiness, to around -15° C to 20° C.

'Oger' is perfect for a large, defensive, non-adjacent hedge, preferably pruned minimally. In this use, it eliminates the need for repeated pruning. It is highly recommended in urban gardens or very windy coastal areas, and widely planted in housing developments. This cypress provides a permanent decoration throughout the year while effectively acting as a privacy screen. Planted as a standalone or in groups of 3, it has a distinguished appearance. Like many conifers, it blends well in gardens of all styles. Also, try creating a diverse evergreen hedge by combining it with Elaeagnus ebbingei, Photinia 'Red Robin', Hicksii Hybrid Yew, holly, Japanese Spindle, or Griselinia littoralis, Olearia traversii, strawberry trees, and evergreen oaks in climates that are not too cold.