- Mature height
- 10m to 20m (approx.)
- Mature width
- 5m to 8m
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.