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Cupressus x leylandii 'Leighton Green'

Cupressus x leylandii 'Leighton Green'

Most loved for its extremely fast growth, dense deep-green foliage, and reliability as one of the best large screening and hedging conifers.

Regular price $40.00
Sale price $40.00 Regular price
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Pot size
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Size: 20cm
Current height guide
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Pot size
20cm

Approximate only. Minimum height important? Confirm with us.

Height guide & disclaimer

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you must confirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Quantity

Order multiple sizes

Mix pot sizes and batches in one order.

Size / batchEachQuantity
20cmApprox. height: Approx. 0.5m – 0.6m$40.00
30cm/33cmApprox. height: Approx. 0.8m – 1.8m$130.00
40cm/45LApprox. height: Approx. 1.3m – 2.0m$280.00
50cm/75LApprox. height: Enquire for current heights$450.00
100LApprox. height: Enquire for current heights$700.00
150LApprox. height: Enquire for current heights$810.00

Height guide & disclaimer

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you must confirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Subtotal before discounts & delivery$0.00

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    About Cupressus × leylandii 'Leighton Green'

    Cupressus leylandii 'Leighton Green', commonly known as Leighton Green, is one of Australia's fastest growing conifers for large-scale privacy screening. Its height and dense, soft-textured foliage give instant structure and close a formal hedge in record time, which is why it is the usual choice for blocking out neighbours, noise, wind and unsightly boundaries.

    Reaching up to 15 metres tall with a spread of 3-5 metres, Leighton Green's mid- to dark-green foliage gives year-round privacy. Clipped as a screen or left to grow as a windbreak, this upright conical tree covers ground fast.

    Thriving in full sun, Leighton Green adapts well to well-drained, fertile soils and withstands frost, wind, salt spray, and pollution. It requires moderate watering during establishment and light pruning 1-2 times per year to maintain shape and size.

    Suited to suburban hedging, rural windbreaks, and large-scale acoustic screening, Leighton Green balances rapid growth with low-maintenance performance.

    Leighton Green or Better Green? Leighton Green is the original Leyland Cypress, fast-growing and widely used across Australia, but susceptible to cypress canker over time. Its improved sister cultivar Better Green was selected for higher canker resistance, faster establishment, and a tighter columnar form. Choose Leighton Green for short-term screening where budget matters; choose Better Green for long-term landscape investment.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    About Cupressus leylandii 'Leighton Green'

    How tall does Leighton Green grow?

    Leighton Green grows up to 15 metres tall with a spread of 3-5 metres, in a dense conical form.

    How fast does Leighton Green grow?

    Leighton Green is one of Australia's fastest-growing hedging conifers, putting on 1-2 metres per year in optimal conditions.

    What is the difference between Leighton Green and Better Green?

    Leighton Green is the original Leyland Cypress cultivar: fast and reliable but more susceptible to cypress canker. Better Green is the improved version with faster growth, a tighter form, and high canker resistance.

    How far apart should I plant Leighton Green for a hedge?

    Plant 1-1.5 metres apart for a dense privacy hedge or windbreak.

    Does Leighton Green need pruning?

    Yes. Leighton Green benefits from light pruning 1-2 times per year to maintain shape and prevent it from outgrowing its space.

    Is Leighton Green drought tolerant?

    Yes. Once established, Leighton Green is drought tolerant and performs well in dry, exposed, and coastal sites.

    Where in Australia does Leighton Green grow best?

    Leighton Green grows well across most of temperate and subtropical Australia, including Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania and southern Queensland. It prefers full sun and well-drained, fertile soil, and copes with frost, wind, salt spray and pollution. In hot, humid northern regions cypress canker is more of a risk, so allow generous spacing and keep good airflow through the row.

    Foliage

    Evergreen (foliage year round)

    Position
    • Full Sun
    Form
    • Columnar
    • Dense
    Use
    • Screening or Privacy
    • Windbreak
    • Rural Property Planting
    • Council or Civic Landscapes
    Mature height
    10m to 20m (approx.)
    Mature width
    5m to 8m
    Cupressus x leylandii 'Leighton Green' — project image 1

    Planting Information

    How To Plant Your Cupressus x leylandii 'Leighton Green'

    Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun with good air movement and room for the canopy to develop.

    Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and a light dressing of aged manure for a strong establishment phase.

    Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth, avoiding any low spot where water might pool.

    Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in, then water deeply to settle the roots.

    Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Cupressus x leylandii 'Leighton Green'

    Hedging and screening: 1 to 1.5 metres apart for a dense informal screen, or 80 centimetres apart for a tighter formal hedge.

    Avenue planting: 3 metres apart for a uniform soft-textured avenue.

    Cupressus x leylandii 'Leighton Green' is expected to grow 1m to 1.2m per year (approx.).

    • Fast Growth Rate

    Long Term Care For Your Cupressus x leylandii 'Leighton Green'

    Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, this is drought tolerant and only needs a deep soak during extended dry periods.

    Mulching: Apply a 5 centimetre layer of organic mulch or pine bark over the root zone, keeping it 5 centimetres clear of the trunk to avoid waterlogging at the base.

    Pruning: Tip prune in late winter and again in summer to build dense growth. For a formal hedge, light shaping two to three times a year keeps lines crisp.

    Fertilising: Apply a slow-release general-purpose fertiliser in early spring and again in autumn for steady growth and consistent foliage colour.

    Pest and disease: Hardy against most pests and diseases. Occasional inspection in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

    Planting Your Cupressus x leylandii 'Leighton Green' in Different Soil

    Cupressus leylandii performs best in free-draining loam or sandy loam with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage is sharp.

    Sandy soil: Free-draining and ideal. Mulch lightly to moderate surface temperature.

    Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and coarse organic compost before planting.

    Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent growth.

    pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline preferred. Avoid waterlogging at all times.

    Cupressus x leylandii 'Leighton Green' — project image 4

    Uses in my Garden

    Uses in my Garden

    • Screening or Privacy
    • Windbreak
    • Rural Property Planting
    • Council or Civic Landscapes

    Cupressus x leylandii 'Leighton Green' works in an:

    • Formal Garden – structured, symmetrical design with clipped shapes.
    • Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
    • Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

    Is Cupressus x leylandii 'Leighton Green' Evergreen or Deciduous?

    Cupressus x leylandii 'Leighton Green' is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

    Mature Height & Width

    Mature Height: 10m to 20m (approx.)

    Mature Width: 5m to 8m

    Cupressus x leylandii 'Leighton Green' is expected to grow 1m to 1.2m per year (approx.).

    Growth Rate of Cupressus x leylandii 'Leighton Green'

    Cupressus x leylandii 'Leighton Green' is expected to grow 1m to 1.2m per year (approx.).

    They are considered to have a:

    • Fast Growth Rate

    Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Cupressus x leylandii 'Leighton Green'

    Is Cupressus x leylandii 'Leighton Green' frost tolerant?

    Cupressus x leylandii 'Leighton Green' is Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

    Does Cupressus x leylandii 'Leighton Green' Flower?

    Cupressus × leylandii ‘Leighton Green’ produces small, inconspicuous male and female cones rather than ornamental flowers. These subtle structures sit hidden within the dense green foliage and form part of its natural seasonal cycle without contributing to display.

    Does Cupressus x leylandii 'Leighton Green' flower?

    • No - Doesn't Flower

    Flowering Period:

    • Spring

    Flower Type:

    • Not Applicable

    Flower Colour:

    Yellow

    Is Cupressus x leylandii 'Leighton Green' an Australian Native Tree?

    No

    Cupressus x leylandii 'Leighton Green' is Native to A hybrid between Cupressus macrocarpa (Monterey Cypress from California) and Chamaecyparis nootkatensis (Nootka Cypress from North America), bred in the UK in the 19th century.

    What is the Wildlife Value of Cupressus x leylandii 'Leighton Green' ?

    Its dense evergreen structure provides valuable shelter and nesting opportunities for small birds, while the cones offer habitat for insects that contribute to a biodiverse garden ecosystem. The thick canopy also creates shaded micro-habitats for ground-dwelling wildlife.

    How much Sunlight does Cupressus x leylandii 'Leighton Green' need?

    Cupressus x leylandii 'Leighton Green' will thrive best in:

    • Full Sun

    Preferred Soil?

    Cupressus × leylandii ‘Leighton Green’ performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam soils and tolerates slightly acidic to slightly alkaline conditions. It may struggle in heavy clay or poorly drained soil unless improved with organic matter and coarse material to increase drainage. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then transition to deep, occasional watering as the tree matures to support vigorous growth, dense foliage and resilient drought performance.

    Is Cupressus x leylandii 'Leighton Green' Drought Tolerant?

    Is Cupressus x leylandii 'Leighton Green' Drought tolerant?

    As a young tree it requires regular watering, but once established ‘Leighton Green’ develops excellent drought tolerance. It thrives in hot, dry, coastal and exposed environments and maintains its strong, fast-growing screening habit with minimal supplementary watering.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How tall does Leighton Green grow?

    Leighton Green grows up to 15 metres tall with a spread of 3-5 metres, in a dense conical form.

    How fast does Leighton Green grow?

    Leighton Green is one of Australia's fastest-growing hedging conifers, putting on 1-2 metres per year in optimal conditions.

    What is the difference between Leighton Green and Better Green?

    Leighton Green is the original Leyland Cypress cultivar: fast and reliable but more susceptible to cypress canker. Better Green is the improved version with faster growth, a tighter form, and high canker resistance.

    How far apart should I plant Leighton Green for a hedge?

    Plant 1-1.5 metres apart for a dense privacy hedge or windbreak.

    Does Leighton Green need pruning?

    Yes. Leighton Green benefits from light pruning 1-2 times per year to maintain shape and prevent it from outgrowing its space.

    Is Leighton Green drought tolerant?

    Yes. Once established, Leighton Green is drought tolerant and performs well in dry, exposed, and coastal sites.

    Compare sizes side by side

    Scroll to compare →

    20cm

    Approx. 0.5m – 0.6m

    30cm/33cm

    Approx. 0.8m – 1.8m

    40cm/45L

    Approx. 1.3m – 2.0m

    50cm/75L

    Enquire for current heights

    100L

    Enquire for current heights

    150L

    Enquire for current heights

    Heights are approximate and vary between individual trees.

    Cupressus × leylandii 'Leighton Green' is loved for its extremely fast growth, dense deep-green foliage, and reliability as one of the best large screening and hedging conifers.

    We take pride in supplying A+ grade advanced trees. When stock at our farm is not yet ready, we work with our trusted trade suppliers to source the best available trees for your garden.

    Plant Your Cupressus x leylandii 'Leighton Green' With:

    Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

    Enriched Planting Mix is a certified organic blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent, bagged in 30L. It is built to be dug through existing garden soil at planting time rather than used on its own, and the gypsum is what sets it apart from a plain compost.

    Gypsum helps break up heavy clay so water and roots can move through it, while the compost and manure return organic matter and nutrient to tired ground. The coarse bark holds structure and keeps air around the root zone, and the wetting agent keeps moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering.

    Use it when planting trees, shrubs, roses, fruit trees and exotic garden plants, particularly into clay. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot and 7 centimetres deeper, then mix roughly one third planting mix through the excavated soil. Spread 7 centimetres of that improved soil in the base before setting the plant in.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    About Enriched Planting Mix

    What is Enriched Planting Mix made from?

    It is a blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent. Each part has a job. The compost and manure supply organic matter and nutrient, the gypsum works on clay structure, the bark keeps air around the roots and the wetting agent holds moisture in the soil.

    What plants is it suitable for?

    It suits exotic garden plants, including roses, ornamental and deciduous trees, fruit trees, shrubs and perennials, and it earns its keep most on heavy clay sites. It is a planting mix rather than a potting mix, so its job is improving soil at planting time. Phosphorus sensitive natives are the one clear exception.

    Is it safe for natives?

    No, not for the phosphorus sensitive ones. The composted animal manure in this blend lifts phosphorus well above what Proteaceae such as Banksia, Grevillea, Hakea and Protea will tolerate, and the result can be leaf burn, dieback and plant death. Use the Native Potting Mix for those species, or plant them into unimproved local soil.

    Is it certified organic?

    Yes. It is a certified organic product with no chemical additives, which is why the manure and compost in it are fully composted rather than raw. That makes it sound around fruit trees and vegetable beds, and it means you are adding genuine organic matter to your soil rather than a synthetic conditioner.

    How much do I need?

    Work on roughly one third planting mix to two thirds of the soil you dug out of the hole. For a shrub out of a 200 millimetre pot that is only a few litres. An advanced tree going into a large hole will take considerably more. Judge the quantity by the volume of the hole rather than the size of the plant.

    Can I use it in pots?

    It is not a potting mix and should not be used on its own in a container. The blend is designed to be diluted through garden soil, and used straight in a pot it holds too much water and settles badly. For containers, reach for a premium potting mix, or the native mix if you are potting natives.

    Does it need to be watered in?

    Yes. Water the plant well several hours before you plant it, then water thoroughly again once the hole is backfilled and the soil firmed down. That first deep watering settles the improved soil around the root ball and drives out air pockets. Keep the water up over the first few months while the roots establish.

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