Cupressus × leylandii 'Gold Rider' (Leyland Cypress) – A Vibrant, Golden Evergreen with Year-Round Appeal
Cupressus × leylandii 'Gold Rider', commonly known as Leyland Cypress, is a striking evergreen conifer renowned for its vibrant, golden-yellow foliage that brings brightness and warmth to the garden. This fast-growing, hardy tree can reach heights of 3–4 meters (10–13 feet) with a similar spread, making it an ideal choice for creating hedges, privacy screens, or specimen trees. Its golden foliage holds its colour year-round, providing an eye-catching feature that changes in intensity with the seasons. 'Gold Rider' thrives in a variety of conditions, requiring minimal maintenance while offering excellent coverage and a sense of privacy in gardens and landscapes.
Why Grow Cupressus × leylandii 'Gold Rider' (Leyland Cypress)?
Vibrant Golden Foliage – The golden-yellow foliage provides a radiant contrast in the landscape, particularly in winter months when the colour becomes more vivid, ensuring year-round interest.
Fast-Growing – 'Gold Rider' is a fast-growing tree, making it an excellent choice for quickly establishing hedges or privacy screens in gardens and landscapes.
Compact Size – Growing to a height of 3–4 meters (10–13 feet) with a similar spread, 'Gold Rider' is ideal for creating medium-sized hedges, borders, or as a specimen plant, perfect for smaller gardens or as a feature in larger landscapes.
Low-Maintenance & Hardy – This conifer is easy to grow and requires minimal care, making it an ideal choice for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance yet eye-catching plant. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil types and weather conditions.
Privacy & Screening – Its dense foliage makes it an excellent choice for creating natural privacy screens, windbreaks, or hedges, offering both aesthetic and functional benefits to the garden.
Planting & Care Guide
Position – Prefers full sun for the brightest foliage and optimal growth but can tolerate partial shade. Ideal for planting in borders, as part of a hedge, or as a standalone specimen tree.
Soil – Thrives in well-drained, moderately fertile soil. 'Gold Rider' is adaptable to most soil types, including slightly acidic to neutral conditions.
Watering – Water regularly during dry periods, particularly during the initial establishment phase. Once established, 'Gold Rider' is drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional watering during long dry spells.
Maintenance:
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Pruning – Prune in early spring to maintain its desired shape and size, especially if growing as a hedge. Regular trimming can help maintain its dense growth habit.
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Mulching – Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil quality.
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Fertilizing – Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to promote healthy growth, particularly in poorer soils.
Perfect Plant Combinations
Cupressus × leylandii 'Gold Rider' works beautifully as part of a mixed hedge with other evergreen shrubs like Thuja, Taxus, or Picea. Its vibrant gold colour contrasts well with darker green foliage, making it an excellent focal point in hedging schemes. It also pairs beautifully with flowering shrubs such as Rhododendron, Azalea, or Hydrangea, creating a vibrant combination of textures and colours throughout the seasons. For a more contemporary look, combine with ornamental grasses like Miscanthus or Pennisetum, which contrast nicely with its upright, dense form. This conifer is perfect for creating bold, year-round colour in privacy screens, garden borders, or as a statement tree in larger landscapes.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.
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