Goldcrest Cypress trees truly come into their own in winter

Cupressus macrocarp 'Wilma' Picture courtesy Kazimingi NurseryCupressus macrocarp 'Wilma' Picture courtesy Kazimingi NurseryCold weather intensifies the coloration of the foliage of conifers, and especially ‘Goldcrest’ and ‘Wilma’ cultivars, whose lemon scented  foliage changes from lime-green in mid-summer to a rich golden-yellow in winter, providing year-round interest in your garden.

Goldcrest and Wilma remain popular with gardeners worldwide as they fit into many different garden designs, and their dense and narrow upright habit is especially good in smaller spaces.

Description & Interesting Facts:

'Goldcrest' is not a hybrid created from two different parent species. Instead, it's a variation of the Monterey cypress (Hesperocyparis macrocarpa) itself. It is commonly referred to as “Lemon Cypress” “Goldcrest” and “Golden Monterey Cypress”.

Monterey Cypress (Hesperocyparis macrocarpa)

The Monterey cypress is a medium-sized coniferous evergreen which often becomes irregular and flat-topped as a result of the strong winds typical of its native area. In perfect growing conditions it can attain heights of up to 40 meters with a trunk diameter of 2.5 meters. The bright green foliage grows in dense sprays and releases a deep lemony aroma when crushed.

It is native to a small stretch of California's central coast, particularly the Monterey Peninsula. It's also found on Guadalupe Island off the coast of northern-western Mexico. While rare in its native habitat, it has been widely cultivated in various coastal regions worldwide, including South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and parts of Europe.

It was cultivated very early in the United Kingdom. In 1846 Karl Hartweg sent the Royal Horticultural Society seeds along with a report on his journeys in California.

In the past the Monterey Cypress has been classified as Cupressus macrocarpa, Callitropsis macrocarpa, and more recently as Hesperocyparis macrocarpa.  As of 2024 Hesperocyparis (Western Cypress) is listed as the correct classification by Plants of the World Online, World Flora Online, and the Gymnosperm Database. The change in classification is due to recent phylogenetic analyses that suggest a closer relationship between the Monterey cypress and other New World cypresses, leading to the creation of the genus Hesperocyparis.

Studies confirm that cypresses represent a very old plant family. Their origins can be traced back to Pangea, and the evolutionary divergence of the northern and southern subfamilies of cypresses actually reflects the break-up of Pangea about 153 million years ago.

(Hesperocyparis macrocarpa ‘Goldcrest’)

This beautiful conifer grows between 3 and 4 metres high in ten years, and ultimately 10 metres or more as a mature specimen. The colour of the foliage changes from lime-green in mid-summer to a rich golden-yellow in winter, providing year-round interest in your garden. The needles emit a strong lemon scent when bruised, adding an aromatic element to your outdoor space.

A few other cultivars of Monterey cypress have been bred:

Hesperocyparis macrocarpa 'Goldcrest Wilma'

Goldcrest Wilma is a slow-growing dwarf cultivar of Goldcrest with an annual growth rate of around 15cm. It has a dense and narrow columnar form and fragrant bright yellow foliage all year round. It will mature to a height of 1.8 to 2.4metres, with a spread of 30 to 60 centimetres.  

Cupressus macrocarpa 'Goldcrest' Picture by Forest and Kim Starr Environmental from flickrCupressus macrocarpa 'Goldcrest' Picture by Forest and Kim Starr Environmental from flickrIn the Garden:

Cupresses add year-round colour and structure to garden landscapes, but in colder climates these shapely and statuesque evergreens truly come into their own in winter, dominating the landscape when many trees and shrubs are dormant. Their impact is further enhanced by the fact that cold weather intensifies the coloration of the foliage, turning the plants into eye-catching features.

The unique yellow-green colour of Goldcrest and Wilma can play off the darker greens of other conifers, while texture can be experimented with by placing the shrub next to boulders and fencing.

As solitary garden specimens they are unsurpassed, growing with a natural, symmetrical shape. An added bonus is that their fibrous roots are not invasive. They both look lovely in pots, especially the dwarf cultivar Wilma, as it is slower growing, with tighter branching.

Because conifers respond well to trimming they are perfect for hedges and privacy screens, and will stand up to salt wind.

With its miniscule leaves and dense, compact growth habit, goldcrest makes a near perfect standard plant. It can be clipped into many different topiary shapes including spirals, poodles - best described as multi-tiered standards with two or more ‘balls’ of foliage on a single stem, and other less formal designs. The suggested stem height for these standards is 75 to 150cm.

Cultivation:

In South Africa conifers will grow in many of our climatic regions, from the seashore to colder inland regions.

The key to growing healthy conifers is to ensure that they have sufficient space in which to grow and develop without interference from surrounding structures or competing plants. Sunlight all around the plant and free air movement ensures that plants remain healthy and mature to a ripe old age.

What is the ideal climate for growing the Goldcrest Cypress?

Understanding the climatic conditions of the native range of any plant gives us invaluable insight into its growth requirements. The Monterey cypress grows wild along the California coast, and has been widely cultivated away from its native range, both elsewhere along the California coast, and in other areas of the world with similar oceanic climates.

The North Coast of California averages a temperate Mediterranean climate, and along the Pacific Ocean coastline, winters are mild and rainy, and summers mild, cool and dry.

Is the Goldcrest Cypress cold and frost hardy?

Gold crest cypress prefers cool, moist climates with temperatures between 27°C and -6°C.

It is generally frost hardy, but in areas with very harsh winters, cold winter winds and severe frost will burn the needles and the tree will need some protection. Plant in a warm, wind sheltered position or consider panting into pots which can be moved in winter.

Covering with a Frost Cloth or Burlap will create a barrier against freezing temperatures. Ensure the cover is secure but allows for some airflow.

A layer of mulch helps to retain soil warmth. Aim for a thickness of 5 to 7cm to maximize insulation. Never pile mulch up against the stems of plants.

Is the Goldcrest Cypress heat tolerant?

In South Africa many conifers like gold crest battle in the arid, semi-desert climatic zones, where dry soils and scorching summer temperatures hamper their growth.

When planted in areas with hot summers in the interior of California away from the coastal fog belt, Monterey cypress has proved highly susceptible to cypress canker, caused by the fungus Seiridium cardinale, and rarely survives more than a few years. This disease is not a problem where summers are cool.

Does Goldcrest Cypress need sun or shade?

Gold crest prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. For optimal growth and good colouring, ensure that it receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.

How much water does the Goldcrest Cypress require?

Young plants should be watered weekly during the first season until established, but once established they will only need supplemental watering during dry spells.

Overwatering can cause root rot, but because the untrained eye does not recognise when conifer foliage is wilting, beware of the danger of conifers remaining dry for too long, as water stress can also cause damage and ultimately death. In particularly dry periods, this group of plants will also benefit from a light spray to cool their outer foliage, but this should be done in the morning, before the hottest part of the day.

What are the soil requirements for Goldcrest Cypress?

Gold crest will adapt to most well-drained garden soils. Do not enrich the soil, as, like its parent, the Monterey cypress, Goldcrest is adapted to growing in poor, sandy, well-draining soils that are low in organics and not very fertile.

This poor soil allows the slow-growing tree to pace its development to match its height with its roots, helping to ensure that winds do not blow the thin and narrow plant over.

Fertilising Goldcrest Cypress

Don't fertilise a gold crest cypress tree, as in its native environment it grows in poor soil conditions, and generally garden soils will be a lot more fertile. Very fertile soils will result in quick, uneven growth which could result in an unstable tree.

Can the Gold Crest Cypress be grown indoors?

You might recognize both Gold Crest and Wilma as the potted evergreens that seems to show up in many retail stores before Christmas for their festive looks. If you purchased one to decorate and don’t know what to do with it after Christmas, you could consider planting it in the garden or in a pot on the patio. However, if you don’t have a garden you may be able to keep it growing indoors if the conditions are good.

Indoors it needs to be kept in a place with sufficient humidity. Keep the humidity around it high by adding a humidifier to the area and place it away from any drafts or heaters.

It needs 5 to 6 hours of strong indirect sunlight or full morning sun. Don't put it in a north facing window with direct sun for most of the day, or you risk burning the foliage.

Ensure that it is potted in very well drained soil, a good cacti or succulent mix is perfect.

In hot weather, a thorough weekly watering should suffice. Allow the soil to dry before watering again, but ensure that it is never dry for too long. Overwatering, or letting the plant stand for long periods in a drip tray full of water can induce root rot.

Potted plants can be fed occasionally with an organic fertiliser, using half the recommended dosage.

After trimming a potted specimen you might notice that the tips of the pruned branches turn brown. That is part of the natural process and the brown spots should be disguised in due time by new bushy growth.

Potting and Repotting Goldcrest Cypress

A potted cypress should be re-potted once every three to four years. Move it to a larger pot, at least one size bigger than the old pot. Excellent drainage is crucial so make sure the pot you use has large drainage holes. Terracotta pots are ideal because they let air get to the roots but the pots also dry out faster so adjust the watering frequency accordingly.

Use a potting mixture which has sharp drainage. A succulent and cacti mix would be ideal.

To keep growth in check some of the roots can be trimmed back conservatively when repotting.

Trim the plant lightly to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.

Pruning

The goldcrest cypress, with its slow growth and natural good form, does not require trimming.

Regular trimming is required when the plant is growing in a pot or is used as a hedge, topiary or bonsai. In these cases, it needs to be done carefully and in a timely fashion, as goldcrest, like most conifers, does not take well to hard pruning. Regular light trimming is the secret to success.

Propagation:

Seeds:

Although cypress trees can be grown from seed, most are cultivars and propagating them from seed does not produce a plant with the same features as the parent, therefore, propagation from seed is not recommended.

Cuttings:

The best time for propagating goldcrest from cuttings is in the winter.

Cut pieces of stem about 10cm long.

Strip the foliage off the bottom part of the stems so the first 5cm is bare. Moisten the cut ends and dip them in rooting hormone.

Moisten some well-draining potting mix and add it to a small pot. Using a pencil or stick, poke holes into the soil and insert the cuttings.

Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag, using sticks to keep the plastic in place. Make sure the plastic does not touch the cuttings.

Place the pot in a warm, sheltered location away from direct sunlight. Mist spray the soil to water the cuttings as needed, keeping the soil evenly moist but not soggy.

When the cuttings have developed a good root system you will feel the resistance if you lightly tug on a cutting. 

Plant the rooted cuttings into individual pots and place them in a warm and sunny spot to grow on.

Problems, Pests and Diseases:

Cypress is prone to attacks by Cyprus aphids, mealybugs, caterpillars, and scale insects. If controlled with insecticidal soap these pests usually don't affect the overall health of the tree.

Cypress canker

When planted inland in areas with hot summers, away from coastal fog belts, the Monterey cypress has proved highly susceptible to cypress canker, caused by the fungus Seiridium cardinale, and rarely survives more than a few years. This disease is not a problem where summers are cool.

The disease often starts at the top of the tree, causing dieback, and progresses downwards. It then spreads inwards and attacks the cambial tissue producing symptoms like tip or branch dieback and stem lesions. Trunks and branches typically have oozing resin and sunken areas of bark often have powdery brown deposits.

There is no chemical treatment for canker disease, and it is very difficult to treat. Depending on the location and extent of the canker, it may be possible to remove only the affected area of the tree, by cutting out all cankered areas, pruning back around 10 to 15cm beyond the affected parts into healthy wood. However, in most cases the entire tree will have to be removed due to weakened structural integrity caused by the cankers.

Bacterial canker often enters the tree through wounds – including pruning wounds made in autumn and winter.

The fungus is moved by wind and within plants by splashing water. The fungus also can be transferred by pruning tools and infected nursery stock. The pathogen enters trees through naturally occurring wounds or damaged tissue.

Disease development is favoured by prolonged periods of fog or light rain during moderate temperatures. Cankers enlarge faster on drought-stressed trees.

If you have lost trees due to this disease, Instead of cypress, consider planting Thuja spp.