How to Grow Leighton Green Conifer

‘Leighton Green’ Conifer is an evergreen fast growing, drought and frost tolerant conifer making it an ideal choice as a hedge, privacy screen or wind breaker. It is a cross between Cupressus nootkatensis and Cupressus macrocarpa. This conifer can grow up to 10-12 metres high if left unchecked.

Full sun

Water every few days when young, drought tolerant once established

Rich and well drained soil.

Best grown in cool and temperate climates

How to grow leighton green conifer in your garden

Step 1

Choose north facing edges of the garden or edges which receive ample sunlight through the day. Enrich the well drained soil with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser. In areas with heavy or clay soil, to help improve soil structure and drainage, add gypsum and mix in well.

Step 2

Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the tree from the container, gently tease the roots. Position in hole and backfill with soil, gently firming down.

Step 3

Form a raised or doughnut shaped ring of soil around the outer edge of the plant's root zone. This helps keep water where it's needed. Always water in well after planting to settle the soil around the roots and keep the soil moist for several weeks while the new plant establishes.

Step 4

Mulch around the base with organic mulch like bark chips, sugarcane or pea straw, keeping it away from the trunk.

Step 5

Water deeply, once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions.

Step 6

Feed every 6-8 weeks from spring to mid-autumn with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser to promote strong root development & healthy foliage.

Growing tips

‘Leighton Green’ are remarkably drought tolerant but the plants will perform at their best if water stress is kept to a minimum.
Pruning them late February or early March will ensure height and width is maintained as desired and avoids unnecessary plant stress.
If you do want them to grow to their full potential then they would require space at least 10 metres across for their branches to spread otherwise for a hedge, plant at a distance of 3 metres apart.
If your soil is too sandy its best to add organic matter, such as well-rotted compost to improve soil quality and hold more nutrients in the soil.
Avoid physical damage to the tree as this often leads to canker infection resulting in death of the tree. Phytophthora Root Rot can be treated with Yates Anti-Rot.