Cupressus macrocarpa Goldcrest (Monterey Cypress)

Prized for its foliage, award-winning Cupressus macrocarpa ‘Goldcrest’ (Monterey Cypress) is a columnar, evergreen conifer boasting a bright golden-yellow foliage in ascending sprays. When crushed the needles smell strongly of lemon. The foliage retains its brilliant color in winter.

Prized for its foliage, award-winning Cupressus macrocarpa 'Goldcrest' (Monterey Cypress) is a columnar, evergreen conifer boasting a bright golden-yellow foliage in ascending sprays. When crushed the needles smell strongly of lemon. The foliage retains its brilliant color in winter. The chartreuse foliage of this fast-growing Monterey Cypress (10 in. per year or 25 cm) creates a striking contrast against blue-green conifers in the landscape. 'Goldcrest' should not be confused with 'Wilma' which is much slower growing with tighter branching. 'Goldcrest' has a much more open branch structure and behaves more like the species over time. A desirable conifer for use as a lawn specimen or hedge.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
  • Grows up to 40 ft. tall ( 12 m) and 12-20 ft. wide (3-6 m).
  • A full sun lover, this plant is easily grown in any well-drained soils. Tolerates dry conditions when established.
  • Perfect as a specimen plant, hedges and screens, Mediterranean gardens or coastal gardens.
  • Low maintenance, no pruning required but can be pruned to control height and spread.
  • Keep an eye out for cypress aphid, honey fungus.
  • Propagate by semi-ripe or hardwood cuttings from young vigorous growth in late summer .

Requirements

Hardiness 7
– 11

Heat Zones 7
– 11

Climate Zones 17
Plant Type Conifers, Trees
Plant Family Cupressus – Cypresses
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter
Height 35'
– 40'
(10.5m
– 12m)
Spread 12'
– 20'
(3.6m
– 6m)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Salt
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens
Garden Styles Coastal Garden, Mediterranean Garden