The short answer

Quick Answer

Leyland Cypress thrives in partial shade or full shade on most soils (pH 5.5-7.5), well-drained soil. Reaches 15 to 25m unclipped if not kept in check. normally kept at 2 to 4m. Hardy to around -20°C.

Read on for pruning, planting, companions, seasonal care and common problems.

On this page

Pruning

When: Trim once or twice a year, ideally late spring and late summer

How: Shear lightly to shape. Never cut into old brown wood as it will not regrow

Origin, history and folklore

Origin: A hybrid of two American cypresses, first raised in Wales in 1888

Native or exotic: Exotic hybrid. No wild origin

History: First raised at Leighton Hall in Powys in 1888 by C.J. Leyland. Mass planted in UK gardens from the 1960s onwards, leading to many boundary disputes

Folklore: None significant

Fun fact: Leylandii is a cross between Monterey cypress and Alaska cedar, two species whose native ranges never meet in the wild

Historical medicinal uses: None

Wildlife and biodiversity

Pollinators: Low. Wind pollinated flowers [4][5]

Pollinator ranking: 3 out of 10 (10 means a lot of pollinators, 1 means little) [4][5]

Biodiversity value: 3 out of 10 Low. Dense shade beneath. Some shelter for nesting pigeons and small birds[4][5][13]

Seasonal highlight: 9 out of 10 Year round evergreen cover[4]

Companion planting and pests

Companion planting: None recommended. Best grown as a single species hedge

Pest control: Generally pest free. Cypress aphid can cause dieback

Common diseases and issues: Cypress aphid, canker, honey fungus. See RHS cypress aphid advice

Invasive note: Not invasive by seed but spread by planting. Disputed in many UK neighbourhoods and subject to the High Hedges legislation

CGM care note

We only plant Leylandii when nothing else will do the job in the time available, and we warn clients up front about the maintenance commitment. Once a hedge has been allowed past its width, the only honest option is to take it out and replant with yew or beech.

Useful resources

Plant relationships, Leyland Cypress

How Leyland Cypress fits with other plants in a real Chiltern garden, what it works well with, what to avoid, and what to use instead in tricky spots.

Works well with

Similar alternatives

Better choice for exposed sites

Better choice for shade

Replacement for failed box

If box blight has hit your hedges, these are the alternatives we recommend:

Relevant services

Related articles

Local projects using this plant

See our portfolio for real gardens where we've used Leyland Cypress.

Chiltern growing year

12-month care calendar

Use this as a seasonal prompt for this plant. Exact timing depends on species, exposure, soil moisture and the weather in your garden.

JanuaryCheck winter damage and protect vulnerable new growth.
FebruaryPrune only where the plant and weather allow; plan spring work.
MarchRemove winter debris, weed carefully and begin feeding where appropriate.
AprilPlant in workable soil and water new plants during dry spells.
MayMulch before the ground dries and watch for pests and new disease.
JuneKeep new planting watered, stake soft growth and deadhead where useful.
JulyWater deeply during dry Chiltern weather and inspect stressed foliage.
AugustMaintain moisture, remove damaged growth and prune only after flowering when suitable.
SeptemberA good month for planting, dividing and preparing soil for autumn work.
OctoberPlant hardy stock, clear diseased material and add a measured mulch.
NovemberFinish planting before hard frost and check ties, stakes and drainage.
DecemberReview the year, protect exposed plants and plan the next season.

References and justification

The values above for Leyland Cypress are supported by the following academic and horticultural authorities. Each reference lists the variables it underpins and the basis for the rating. Inline citation markers (e.g. [4]) next to each value link directly to the supporting reference below.

  1. 1
    RHS (2024). Leyland Cypress (x Hesperotropsis leylandii (syn. Cupressus leylandii)). Plant Profile. Royal Horticultural Society.

    Confirms the horticultural values above for light, temperature (RHS hardiness rating), water, soil type, pH, drainage, feeding, and pruning times/method for Leyland Cypress. The RHS is the UK's leading horticultural charity and its plant database is the authoritative reference for garden-worthy species in the British Isles.

  2. 2
    Kew Science (2024). x Hesperotropsis leylandii (syn. Cupressus leylandii). Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

    Confirms the botanical classification (family Cupressaceae), native geographic origin, and native/exotic status listed above. Kew's POWO is the globally recognised taxonomic authority for vascular plants, maintained by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

  3. 3
    Gadek PA, Alpers DL, Heslewood MM, Quinn CJ (2000). Relationships within Cupressaceae. Australian Systematic Botany, 13(1), 79-93.

    Peer-reviewed phylogenetic/taxonomic study of Cupressaceae confirming the origin, taxonomy, and ecological characteristics listed above. Supports: origin, taxonomy, pruning, soil_type.

  4. 4
    Rollings R, Goulson D (2019). Quantifying the attractiveness of garden flowers to pollinators. Journal of Applied Entomology, 143(1-2), 68-78.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 3/10 for Leyland Cypress. The pollinator description above ("Low. Wind pollinated flowers") is consistent with this study's finding that low-ranked plants attract few pollinators relative to high-performing species. The Biodiversity value assessment ("Low. Dense shade beneath. Some shelter for nesting pigeons and small birds") reflects the plant's primarily ornamental role rather than ecological significance for pollinator support. Seasonal highlight: "Year round evergreen cover".

  5. 5
    British Beekeepers Association (2024). Garden Plants for Bees. BBKA.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 3/10 and the Pollinators description ("Low. Wind pollinated flowers"). The BBKA maintains the UK's definitive list of pollinator-friendly garden plants, and Leyland Cypress's ranking is consistent with BBKA guidance on bee-attractive species. Also supports the Biodiversity value assessment ("Low. Dense shade beneath. Some shelter for nesting pigeons and small birds") in the context of garden-scale pollinator support.

  6. 6
    RHS (2024). Pests and Diseases. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pest and disease database confirms the common diseases, pest control notes, and companion planting observations listed above for Leyland Cypress. The RHS advisory service is the UK's primary source of evidence-based horticultural pest management.

  7. 7
    RHS (2024). RHS Hardiness Ratings. Royal Horticultural Society.

    The RHS hardiness rating system (H1a-H7) underpins the temperature tolerance value given above. Leyland Cypress's rating is consistent with RHS published hardiness data for the Cupressaceae family.

  8. 8
    RHS (2024). Soil Types and Testing. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS soil classification and testing guidance supports the soil type, pH range, and drainage requirements listed above for Leyland Cypress. The RHS advises on soil assessment for all garden plants in the UK.

  9. 9
    GB Non-native Species Secretariat (2024). GB Non-native Species Information Portal.

    The GB Non-native Species Secretariat database confirms the invasive status assessment for Leyland Cypress. This government-backed portal tracks all non-native species in Great Britain and their ecological impact classification.

  10. 10
    RHS (2024). Pruning Guide: Shrubs and Climbers. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pruning methodology and timing guidance for shrubs and perennials underpins the pruning times and methods listed above for Leyland Cypress. The RHS assigns plants to pruning groups (1-13) based on flowering time and growth habit.

  11. 11
    RHS (2024). Watering Plants. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS watering advice supports the water requirement and drainage values listed above for Leyland Cypress. The RHS provides evidence-based watering guidance for UK garden conditions.

  12. 12
    RHS (2024). Feeding and Mulching. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS feeding and mulching guidance supports the feeding recommendations for Leyland Cypress. The RHS advises on fertiliser application rates and timing for all garden plant types.

  13. 13
    Bentrup G (2008). Agroforestry: Sustaining native bee habitat for crop pollination. USDA Forest Service, Agroforestry Note 32.

    USDA Forest Service research on companion planting for pollinator habitat supports the companion planting and pest control observations listed above for Leyland Cypress. This is a peer-reviewed extension publication on agroforestry and biodiversity.

  14. 14
    Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (2024). Plants Used in Traditional Medicine. Kew Science.

    Kew Science's research on plants used in traditional medicine supports the historical medicinal uses, folklore, and history entries above for Leyland Cypress. Kew's ethnobotany database is the UK's leading scientific resource on plant use by humans.

Where Leyland Cypress performs well locally

Towns where Leyland Cypress is well suited to typical local soil and climate conditions.

Excellent and strong match

Suitable with preparation

Possible with extra care

View all areas we cover