xCupressocyparis leylandii (syn. '2001') 'ATRO' Leyland cypress
size/type
taller shrub,taller shrub
usual height
2-10m
usual width
2-3m
leaves
evergreen conifer
colour of leaves
location
full sun
soil type
any (acidic to alkaline)
soil moisture requirements
evenly moist but well-drained
USDA zone (lowest)
5b (down to -27°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
Cypřišovec Leylandův is a natural hybrid genus between cupressus macrocarpa and chamaecyparis nootkatensis. It is a fast-growing evergreen conifer, used mainly in hedges and as a windbreak. The species is a large tree which cannot be cultivated in small gardens, but varieties and selections are often smaller or more compact and are loved for their colours and capability to fit a smaller plot.
Description of the plant:
Atro is one of those smaller, compact varieties of Leyland cypress which can be grown even in a small garden. It was found as a natural mutation in Van den Dool Cultures Nursery in Dutch town Boskoop in 1983. You can also find it under an alternative name 2001. It naturally forms a fastigiate to columnar, compact conifer densely branched from the ground. It produces flattened sprays of scale-like, bright emerald green leaves. The branches are strictly upright and do not break under heavy snow. Cupressocyparis is highly valued not only for its fast growth but also because it does not lose its colour in winter like some cypress or thuja and remains deep green, blue or yellow in case of varieties. Trim hedges 2-3 times from early spring until late summer. Never cut into old wood. Our plants of Atro are situated at the top of the garden centre parking lot in Prague, forming a screen between the cars and our display garden. There are 4 plants only making a superb, deep green wall which we seldom prune and they still keep compact. Thanks to its attractive colour and narrow habit it is often used as a hardy substitute of tender Tuscan cypress but needs regular trimming, otherwise it would grow too chubby.
Leyland cypress is very soil tolerant and will grow in any well-drained soil. Just beware that it will consume most of nutrient and moisture in about 2 m from its trunk. If you plant larger specimens stake it well for the first 2-3 years to prevent from rooting out. It does not suffer from pests and diseases. Hardy to min. -27°C (USDA zone 5B).
Last update 25-10-2019; 27-02-2023
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GLOSSARY
- STANDARD QUALITY - Plants of this group are 1st class quality with number of branches and overall density adequate to their size and age, considering they were container grown.
- DE LUXE QUALITY - This label guarantees a luxurious quality of manually selected plants that, compared to their height and age, are exceptionally dense and beautiful.
- EXTRA - These plants are usually mature and bigger specimens with exceptional overall appearance.
- STANDARD (as described in the plant form) means a tree with a trunk of 190-210 cm and a crown at the top, unless specified differently. The commercial size for trees is their girth measured in the height of 1m from ground.
- HOBBY - These plants are of the same quality as our standard-quality plants but younger and therefore cheaper.
- SHRUB - a woody plant with branches growing bushy from the ground level.
- HALF-STANDARD or MINI-STANDARD - a small tree with shorter trunk, its size is usually specified.
- FEATHERED - These are trees with branches growing already from the base of the trunk and up along the stem.
- GRASSES and PERENNIALS - Sizes given usually read the diameter of the pot or the clump, as specified.
