Leyland cypress is moderately resistant to Phytophthora root rot. Sanitation is also important when taking cuttings for propagation, as the disease is believed to be spread by pruning equipment. Following strict sanitation measures such as removing any diseased plants is considered the best method to prevent spread of the disease. The major symptoms include dieback of leading and lateral shoots, resin oozing from cracks in the bark and dark brown or purplish patches on the bark. Also, good spacing between trees and good weed management allow proper air movement around trees which help reduce disease incidence.Ĭypress canker caused by several species of Seiridium is also an important disease of Leyland cypress. Disease control requires scouting in the late summer and fall and carefully timed fungicide treatments. The most important disease of Leyland Cypress is Passalora needle blight. Christmas trees are usually harvested at ages 3 to 6. Growth can be expected to average about 2-3 feet per year on typical southern sites. The species is relatively tolerant of salt spray and has often been planted in coastal areas. Leyland cypress is a shade intolerant species which grows best in open, sunny conditions. The species appears more responsive to nitrogen fertilization as pH increases. The species appears to grow well where pH ranges from 5.5 to 8.0, with optimum growth at about 6.0 to 6.5. Best growth appears to be on well drained uplands which have considerable clay in the upper soil horizons. In the United States, it has been grown on heavy clays, sandy loams, and sands. Leyland cypress is rated for Zone 6 in cold hardiness, meaning that the species can withstand temperatures to about -8☏. Branchlets are flattened and are held in two or more planes. In contrast to some other species, a green color is retained throughout the winter. The species generally has medium green or blue-green foliage. When grown in open, non-shade conditions, the species retains limbs to the base. Relative to its height, a somewhat narrow crown is maintained. The species is capable of growing to more than 100 feet tall at maturity. However, other cultivars are certainly acceptable. Based on trials in the southern United States, 'Leighton Green' is considered most desirable for Christmas Trees. A number of cultivars (cultivated varieties) have been developed by vegetatively propagating offspring of the two parental species. However, unlike several other species grown for Christmas trees, its flexible limbs will not support large ornaments, and the species has very little fragrance. It retains moisture well if kept watered after being cut and has an attractive shape. Leyland cypress is now grown in all southern states, and is becoming desirable for use as a Christmas tree species in that region. For all practical purposes, this hybrid species is sterile and must be propagated vegetatively. Leyland cypress is a hybrid of two Pacific Coast species, Monterey cypress ( Cupressus macrocarpa) and Alaska-cedar ( Chamaecyparis nootkatensis) and has been given the scientific name of x Cupressocyparis leylandii.
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